Share

AmaZulu imports German for their academy

The lack of quality local players has forced the owner of AmaZulu to embark on an ambitious Youth Development project aimed at unearthing exceptionally talented local boys and groom them for the club’s senior side.

Patrick Sokhela has indicated that he will leave no stone unturned to establish a well-developed Youth Academy within the next couple of weeks to off-set this embarrassing shortage of quality players emerging from the KwaZulu-Natal province.

This lack of quality players is not only experienced by clubs. Even at national level Bafana Bafana have been unable to come up with quality players that could stand their ground at international competitions and it is cause for concern to many people, particularly when one considers that this country would be hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup finals.

“We have put the necessary mechanism in place to start a serious Youth Development structure,” said Sokhela when contacted on Thursday as he reminisced about the good ‘old days when players like Sugar Ray Xulu, Richard Ngubane, Eric Ngidi and Frederick Mfeka used to rule the roost in the green and white.

And part of the ambitious and necessary structures involves bringing in German-born mentor Helmut Kosmehl. A highly qualified coach, Kosmehl has studied as a sport instructor in Cologne and obtained the highest marks for his license from the German Football Federation.

While the German is earmarked to head the AmaZulu Development structure, Sokhela admitted that AmaZulu coach Clive Barker will also be involved in the establishment of the Academy and assisting in ensuring that the development structure runs like clockwork.

There has been rumours doing the rounds that former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund is headed for AmaZulu, a rumour which Sokhela squashed by saying the current coach is going nowhere and will continue to carry out his duties at the club as head coach.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE