A coach believes that he is coaching the players who will make up the national football team in 10 years’ time. He sees no reason why players also cannot dream big.
From 31 March to 4 April the FC Palmeros Academy hosted a one-week holiday camp for its players at their home ground, the Cecil Payne Stadium. A total of 16 players aged between 15 and 17 attended the camp.
It was on day 4 (Thursday 3 April) of training that the Record caught up with the coaching staff and officials of FC Palmeros Academy.
“The foundation to groom players of quality in the country starts here, at a young age,” assistant coach Bornventore Liphoto said.
“We must strive to develop world-class players, not just good players. We at the academy have a vision to become the best sporting development centre on the West Rand, nurturing young talent for a brighter future and assisting any child in making their dream a reality.
“While my personal goal is to coach the ones who will be playing for Bafana Bafana in 10 years’ time, the goal now is to develop players at this young age. There is no reason why these youngsters also cannot believe that one day they will wear the Bafana Bafana jersey.”
Asked why youngsters would benefit from the holiday camp, Liphoto said, “What better opportunity to keep young players focused, active and off the streets during the holidays? Besides, the players get that extra bit of knowledge, an opportunity to develop their skills, go back to the basics, discuss tactics and of course work on fitness levels.
“At the same time, this camp prepares them for the upcoming season that starts in three weeks or so. It also is aimed at team building and an opportunity for new talent to emerge.
“One must understand that at FC Palmeros, children participate in football to have fun. If children don’t have fun playing football they soon will pack it in.”
Liphoto also believes that South African soccer is experiencing a crisis.
While the national football team has achieved little success – the only real biggie being the African Cup of Nations title in 1996 – Liphoto said, “If you also look at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the past ten years, few South Africans were among the top goal scorers. Most of them are from other African countries representing local clubs.”
For more information about FC Palmeros, contact Lila Palmer at info@fcpacademy.co.za or visit their website at www.fcpacademy.co.za.
