Scouting out Mtuba’s soccer talent
Soccer legend Scara Thindwa visited Mtubatua, scouting for talent and sharing helpful tips.
UP-AND-COMING Mtubatuba soccer players received a surprise visit from one of the legends of the sport at weekend.
Kaizer Chiefs ace Absalom ‘Scara’ Thindwa visited Mtuba Football Academy (FA), scouting for talent and sharing helpful tips.
‘Most of the players are too young, but the 17 and 18-year-olds are the players I’m interested in for future consideration, while I’m looking at those up to 21 for more immediate placements,’ said Thindwa.
The retired Chiefs midfielder is passionate about the development of young players, particularly those from rural areas who would otherwise not get a look-in.
‘When I was young, I was one of those players who got an opportunity to become professional. I would like to do the same for some of today’s youngsters.
‘While not all the young players can go on to the big leagues, those harbouring a special talent will be nurtured until they are old enough, when they will be given the opportunity to prove themselves. Thindwa will visit Mtuba FA every few months to see how they are progressing.
Mtuba FA is still in a state of limbo regarding their training ground after being told they could no longer make use of Mtubatuba Primary School’s field on Saturday mornings. Temporarily using Umfolozi Sugar Mill’s (USM) field, for which Mtuba FA Head Coach Sheldon Hughes is grateful, is proving difficult in terms of the extra distance the children have to travel, often on foot, to get to practice.
‘The Academy player count has dropped by about 25% since the beginning of the year, which is a pity because some of those who have dropped out are very talented,’ said Hughes, who is in talks with Mtubatuba Municipality for a permanent training ground.
