Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are the three biggest teams in the country with resources and financial backing second to none. However, the Big Three's production chain has produced very little to write home about in recent years.
The development structures of the three clubs have been under a lot of scrutiny lately with allegations of age-cheating among other challenges faced. The three teams' number of development products being promoted to the senior teams have been dwindling over the past couple of seasons.
A closer look at the current teams reveals a very concerning trend of development products that are scattered all over the country without even sniffing first team action. Following Senzo Meyiwa's tragic passing and Tlou Segolela's recent departure to Platinum Stars, Orlando Pirates only have Brighton Mhlongo as their development product getting regular game-time. Mbongeni Gumede and Ntando Nkala are two other development products but they are yet to get a taste of PSL action so far this season.
Bucs' crosstown-rivals, Chiefs, have, ironically, their goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune as the only development product enjoying regular game-time until recently, following his long-term ankle injury. Chris Matombo, Hendrick Ekstein and Zitha Macheke are yet to enjoy a regular run.
Sundowns, on the other hand, have most of their development products out on loan with only Percy Tau as part of the current star-studded team. Regular game-time is proving to be a serious challenge for the youngster who recently passed his matric although his future is predicted to be bright.
What's wrong with the three team's development structures?
Please share your views in the comments section below.
Cheers.
VeeJay
