Yesterday was Youth Day, Mzansi, as I'm sure we all know. It is a special day to remember the youth of South Africa who sacrificed so much for a free future in our country.

Young people played an enormous role in the anti-apartheid struggle, and we take a day each year to recognise that.

I don't mean to trivialise the meaning of Youth Day, but I couldn't help but think yesterday that it seems hypocritical for us to praise the youth of the nation on Youth Day while we still have such poor youth development in soccer nationally.

So many talented young footballers don't have a chance to showcase their abilities in the people’s sport, and even when they do, they often have their creativity and love for the game drilled out of them.

Let us remember that the youth are the future, not only of our country, but of our football as well. Let’s work together for a brighter tomorrow for the youth of today.