Posted on September 08, 2010 16:20
Last year AmaZulu Development teams managed to live up to their potential by producing the finest cream of the crop in players whilst also roping in a few titles under their belts.
The AmaZulu Development programme kicked of its first activity on Thursday last week where the coaches hosted selections for the new season.
According to Head of Development, Thami ‘TV’ Ngubane they will need players that are not just talented but also disciplined to mould and develop into ‘AmaZulu type of players’.
‘Talent Scout’, Roger Palgren (Director of Sport) was also impressed with what he saw of the hopefuls who were chosen and also those who did not make it.
“It was a beautiful and well organized selection. We managed to identify a few brilliant players whom we hope will be good players in the future. They will undergo various screening methods to get to being complete players,” said the Swedish international.
Palgren and the development team will have their work cut out for them as the growing demand of local players is needed to continue flying the flag of KZN football.
This year looks set to be the busiest for AmaZulu youngsters as the Under-17 side’s success of winning the DCLFA Cup and the league is enough to build on for the next level.
AmaZulu teams will participate in the in tournaments like the Baymed Cup, and Nike Tournament among many others, which Thami Ngubane says will speed up the process of development.
“If they get used to facing tougher opponents from other teams like Supersport or Kaizer Chiefs our boys will grow in confidence,” said Ngubane.
“We have 4 players that graduated to Durban Warriors (AmaZulu feeder team). We are hoping that the group of players we have this time will show the same discipline which is required in football,” said Under-17 Assistant Coach and trainer, Lindani ‘Dito’ Mkhize.
The Under-15 teams’ successful defending of the Engen Knockout Challenge was something the youngsters would have only dreamed of. The side led by Sunny Mtshali showed true warrior spirit to defeat their opponents in an Under-17 tournament.
Under 15 were winners of the Under-17 Knockout Challenge
Under-17 winners of DCLFA Cup and finished 1 st on the league
Development Structure
Clive Barker: Technical Advisor to Development Teams and First Team
Roger Palgren: Talent Scout, Director and works with all development coaches
Thami Ngubane: Head of Development
Joel Faya: AmaZulu feeder team (Durban Warriors) Head Coach
Thulani Cele: AmaZulu feeder team (Durban Warriors)Team Manager
Thulani Hlatshwayo: AmaZulu Under-17 Coach
Lindani ‘Dito’ Mkhize: AmaZulu Under-17 Assistant
Sunny Mtshali: AmaZulu Under-17 Coach
Sazi Ngubane: AmaZulu Under-13 Co-Coach
Justice Mtshali: AmaZulu-Under 13 Co-Coach
* Players that made it to the second round for divisions, Under-17 and 15 need to come to the same venue (George Campbell Technical High School Sports Grounds) on Saturday for further selections. The Under-13 second round trials will be held on 24 January.