SEDIBENG.- The so-called kasi football is slowly taking over organised football in the Vaal. It seems these young soccer stars idolise this so-called kasi football over structured football.
However, Zakes’ Sports Corner doesn’t blame them, they were told that playing these kasi games is better than playing league matches, because the scouts might see them. There is no more respect for playing organised football, which falls under the South African Football Association (SAFA) structures.
These players have been told that if they want to play at the highest level of football, playing this so-called kasi football will make their dreams come true.
Really!
In the past, playing football under SAFA structures was the wish of any boy growing up in the community.
But not now!
To some, playing leagues and organised football is just a waste of time.
They would rather be happy to be watched by drunkards at the ‘kasi football’.
Please, don’t misunderstand Zakes’ Sports Corner, there is nothing wrong with playing those kasi football or community tournaments. But it is concerning when the youngsters choose them over structured football. It is not a secret that the standard of SAFA at the regional and LFA levels is not the same as before.
As things stand, it has been a while since this region has had a team in the top-flight football. This is because ‘kasi football’ is more important than playing under SAFA structures. My point is that tournaments are being played all over Sedibeng. Gone are the days when playing under SAFA structures was a top priority.
Like Zakes’ Sports Corner said earlier, the youngsters have been misled by a certain individual that playing this ‘kasi football’ is better than wasting their time playing league matches. They were told that by playing kasi football, they stand a chance of being seen by the scouts.
Se Voet!
There is no doubt that this region is blessed when it comes to talented footballers; stats don’t lie. This region is the breeding ground of South African football. How did we end up here as a region? No one knows!
Zakes’ Sports Corner believes that it is not too late to start over and go back to the way we used to respect structured football. It is not as if Zakes’ Sports Corner hates kasi football or these community soccer tournaments.
No, but there must be respect for structured football.
These youngsters must know that playing under the SAFA structure is more important than playing so-called kasi football. This region deserves better when it comes to football.
History has no blank pages!
