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Cape Town - Matthew Booth says that Neil Tovey has taken on an impossible task in his new role as Technical Director of SAFA as he believes that youth structures are almost non-existent in many areas of the country.
Booth spoke to Sport24 about his mixed feelings with regards to Tovey’s appointment.
“I’ve expressed positivity about it but it is very similar to when Pitso and Gordon took over at Bafana – It’s kind of a poisoned chalice,” Booth began.
“I wouldn’t have taken the job for any money in the world because it is probably the toughest job after being Bafana coach.
“The structures at LFA (Local Football Associations) levels are so poor that you cannot throw money at Bafana Bafana or the higher echelons of SAFA and expect it to change.”
Tovey has been employed to deal with the very grassroots structures that Booth is referring to but he still believes that it will take a mighty effort to turn the tide.
“He has got to get his hands dirty, but in terms of what has to work with, some of the structures are non-existent.
“He’s got to get rid of the people who aren’t in it for the good of the game,” Booth advised.
Tovey’s appointment has received criticism from the South African Coaches Association (SAFCA) who believe that SAFA did not undertake the course of action that is required when hiring someone for a position such as Technical Director.
