Posted on February 17, 2012 09:41
AmaZulu’s development structures recently imparted their vast knowledge of the beautiful game to aspiring footballers of the Paul Sykes Primary School in Newlands West.
Legendary Usuthu ex-player, Joel Faya told AmaZulufc.net that for clubs it shouldn’t be all about grooming talent for their own gain.
Faya believes clubs have the social responsibility, among other responsibilities, to the community within which they are situated, which is why they were happy to honour the school’s request.
“Basically, we went to the school for a Coaching Clinic, but unfortunately the pupils were not informed accordingly and had not brought their sport wear,” said the former AmaZulu assistant coach.
“We therefore decided to motivate the youngsters who are interested in soccer in the form of sharing our experiences in the business. It wasn’t anything hectic since these were young and teachable boys.”
In the past, clubs have come under fire from the media and the general public for developing on-the-field players, ignoring the social development of those players, which in most cases has led to players falling from grace as a result of their failure to deal with demands of being a professional player and the pressure that comes with fame.
“We told them that in order to be successful in football they must have passion and get training and guidance in all aspects of being a professional footballer.
"They must not follow money and they must keep away from drugs and everything else that will destroy the body,” added ‘Fire’.
“They must be aware of their weak points and work towards perfecting them on their own, because the coach will not have time to shape all of them.”
Head of Development, Ronnie Moroka also heaped praise on their students’ willingness to learn, citing obedience and patience as being the main attributes of a future player.