Local league steps up to international standards

The little league and junior players of the Panorama Football Club sat proudly in the hall before the prize-giving ceremony started on 1 November.

The club’s chairman, Michael Michael boasted about the players’ achievements throughout the season including his expectations for the next one. He thanked the parents, who are often forgotten during the celebration for their commitment in the club.

The U6s and 7s in the little league all received medals and trophies at the start of the ceremony. Michael mentioned the improvement the league had made thus far, including the increase in players to 34.

The little league team of the year was awarded to the U7 team, which was undefeated the entire season.

“We are so proud of this team. They have worked very hard along with their coach and proved that they deserve this award. We are really excited about the upcoming season because of all the improvement we will be making online and, of course, on the pitch,” said an enthusiastic Michael.

The prize-giving moved on to the junior league which included the U12s and U13 football players.

The boys were awarded and recognised on a number of traits, including their team efforts, goals scored in the season and where there were improvements.

Michael also mentioned the U13 team would be jetting off to Holland next year as part of the new partnership to get involved with professional training camps. He added that they had two players in Sweden this year and they looked to establish similar relationships in Mexico.

He said, “We want the boys to look professional and participate in international tournaments. We have a deal with Kappa, where parents can purchase the players’ kits. This includes tracksuits and jerseys, bags as well as balls. This way, the team looks the same during away games and ultimately, more professional.”

On the business side, Michael mentioned setting up a website for the club that would look similar to football clubs in the premier leagues overseas.

Chairman of the South African Academy League, Phil Moghadi, spoke on the role parents can play in the development of their players. “There is a football gap in the country and we are short on players. We need to bring the suburbs and townships together and train young children to become future national players. These kids need to play with the best in order to become the best,” Moghadi concluded.

When all was said and done and prizes had been handed out, all the players did what they do best – play football.