A 19-man invitational youth team selected from numerous teams that participated in the U19 Bayhill Metropolitan Cup will begin their European Tour with a game against Belgian outfit Sint Truidense today.
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The core of the handpicked players and technical team have been chosen from three Cape-based sides, namely, Milano United, the Old Mutual Academy and JL Zwane.
The aim of the initiative is to aid players in bridging the gap between U19-level and professional football by exposing the players, technical staff and clubs to European methods.
Lion Sport Management have identified that this step in players development in South Africa is lacking and have stepped in to try and assist in bridging the gap.
The youngsters will be playing a number of friendlies against Belgian sides and embark on their European tour today with a game against Sint Truidense V.V., the club at which Benni McCarthy is currently assistant coach.
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On Friday the team will take on K.V.C. Westerlo, while next week they face Club Brugge KV and K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen, on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.