Greetings from the South African Football Association (SAFA), it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this beautiful region of Sedibeng. I extend a special welcome to the players who will participate in the 2007 SAFA under 17 National tournament, the players in this tournament will form a nucleus that will drive SAFA’s plan to ensure qualification for the 2012 Olympics in
London and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in
Brazil.
The Football Family is aware of the challenges facing our national teams, and in particular our junior teams, and we have resolved to embark on a repositioning strategy that will enforce development across the board. In our new approach,
the vibrance of junior leagues across the country is key, and tournaments like this should be an end result of pulsating football played in our regions throughout the year.
I am encouraged by the commitment and determination of the National Executive committee of SAFA to channel resources towards development projects, be it development of referees, coaches; players and administrators, and this current tournament is a result of our commitment to improve football standards at grass roots level.
