Soccer teams must pitch for matches
2006-06-29
SOCCER in the Boland is prospering thanks to the establishment of SAFA Boland at the beginning of the year.
Currently 35 senior teams from Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni and Gouda are affiliated to the Drakenstein Local Football Association.
Many of these clubs have junior teams competing in the u.9, u.11, u.13 and u.17 age groups.
There is currently no u.19 league but, says Omar Davids, the junior convener of DLFA, plans are underway to establish this age group next year.
SAFA Boland is not without its problems, says Davids.
“There are growing pains that we have to endure, but we are patient,” said Davids with special reference to teams not showing up for matches.
“We want to appeal to all clubs to fulfill their match fixtures. It is a big problem which will be addressed during an emergency meeting on Thursday (tonight),” said Davids.
“There is so much talent, but because we are struggling to get the teams to play matches, many of these talented players fall between the cracks.
“I want to appeal to the senior players in the clubs to get involved with the juniors and in doing so help develop the sport.”
SAFA Boland plans to select a junior Union team which will compete at a tournament in Oudtshoorn in September.
“Our long term goal is to develop the current u.17 players in order to put together an u.19 team that can compete for the Bay Hill Cup in Belhar.
“Many of the professional clubs, like Mamelodi Sundowns, Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows, send their junior teams to this tournament.
“But before this can happen, the boys need to play more matches and that is why it is so important that teams should keep their match commitments,” Davids added.
The meeting to discuss clubs who do not show up for their match fixtures will be held at the Paarl Soccer Club house at the Boy Louw Field tonight at 18:00.
More
News
|
