Every season clubs unveil a team that will always comprise of players from their development ranks, but these players usually fail to impress.
The issue comes down to the mentality and attitude of South African players. These are the same players who fell apart under Muhsin Ertugral, because of his disciplinarian approach, where he trains them too hard or demands more than what they show on the field. The same players are enjoying themselves after losing a match. They are simply not hungry enough.
Compare this to foreigners, who came from poverty and see the PSL as an opportunity to improve their lives and at times their whole village. They give 150% but are scrutinised for mistakes just because they are not South African. Edmore Chirambadare is an example of a hard worker, who will improve with more "SA game time" and nobody is perfect.
Foreigners have long careers in the PSL moving from small teams to the big three. Dove Wome just joined Orlando Pirates, but respects the jersey. Collins Mbesuma, Robert Ng’ambi, Henrico Botes and the likes are still playing, while a lot of younger players just fell off the grid. Other countries do not make so much noise about foreigners, but, in Southern Africa, this temperament exists.
South African players should fight to play for teams and not play just because they are South African.
*This article was written by a Soccer Laduma reader and reflects their opinion, not that of Soccer Laduma.
