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Cape Town - Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Sergio Dos Santos believes the youth development culture in South Africa has changed in a negative way.
Dos Santos, now Head of Scouting for Ajax Cape Town, signed for Chiefs as a player when he was nearly 30. However, he recalls how even as an experienced player he would have to show respect to established members of the first team.
He told Soccer Laduma: "I was very experienced as a player but when I arrived I had to look up to Ace Ntsoelengoe, Banks Sethlodi and Malombo Lichaba... you must be humble and learn the culture. Not many players do that these days."
The former midfielder coached the Glamour Boys in 1993, but still recalls how young players coming through the development ranks were expected to behave.
He said: "When I was with Chiefs, I remember three players coming into the squad at 17 or 18 - Wellington Manyathi, Brian Baloyi and Marks Maponyane... when Ace, Malombo, Banks, Computer Lamola or Ryder Mofokeng said, "Marks, go get my bag, boy!" - there was no hesitation. That player picked up the bag and carried it!"
Dos Santos added that he felt the results-driven nature of modern football had changed the culture of youth development in the country.
"These days it's more about success, therefore they don't bring the players in young enough and they don't know the culture. Everything's changed and the respect is gone," Dos Santos concluded.
Dos Santos, now Head of Scouting for Ajax Cape Town, signed for Chiefs as a player when he was nearly 30. However, he recalls how even as an experienced player he would have to show respect to established members of the first team.
He told Soccer Laduma: "I was very experienced as a player but when I arrived I had to look up to Ace Ntsoelengoe, Banks Sethlodi and Malombo Lichaba... you must be humble and learn the culture. Not many players do that these days."
The former midfielder coached the Glamour Boys in 1993, but still recalls how young players coming through the development ranks were expected to behave.
He said: "When I was with Chiefs, I remember three players coming into the squad at 17 or 18 - Wellington Manyathi, Brian Baloyi and Marks Maponyane... when Ace, Malombo, Banks, Computer Lamola or Ryder Mofokeng said, "Marks, go get my bag, boy!" - there was no hesitation. That player picked up the bag and carried it!"
Dos Santos added that he felt the results-driven nature of modern football had changed the culture of youth development in the country.
"These days it's more about success, therefore they don't bring the players in young enough and they don't know the culture. Everything's changed and the respect is gone," Dos Santos concluded.
