SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan on Thursday, 3 November 2016 met with most of the national team coaches where he emphasised to them the need to go around the world and pick the best players eligible for various South African national teams.
The SAFA boss met with coaches Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba (Bafana Bafana), Owen da Gama (Bafana Bafana Assistant and u23 coach), Thabo Senong (Amajita and Bafana Bafana Assistant coach) and Molefi Ntseki (Amajimbos u17 National coach).
In face of the upcoming heavy schedule for most of the national teams in which Bafana Bafana, Amajita and Banyana Banyana will be involved in international tournaments, Dr Jordaan reminded the coaches of the need to keep the nation happy by producing positive results.
“There is a lot at stake when national teams play; they represent the entire country and my message to you is do whatever it takes to go and scout for the best talent, even if it means going outside the country’s borders.
We have set the ball rolling by calling up Lars Veldwijk and all coaches must do likewise – casting the net wide. There is also Roodeport-born Joel Untersee who is set to move to Grasshoppers of Switzerland who has shown interest in playing for Bafana Bafana. Why not have a look at him?
This include all junior coaches; there are several players with South African heritage who should be monitored and called up for national team if they are good enough,” added Dr Jordaan.
The SAFA President insisted that the main priority at the moment was for South Africa to qualify for Russia 2018.
“We must leave no stone unturned in making sure that we qualify for FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia. That would make the country go berserk; it will literally come to a standstill.
Our country needs good news at the moment and there is no great news than if Bafana Bafana qualifies for Russia. Go to Europe to scout for talent, go all over the world and look for South African born players who qualify to play for this country. We have a very good chance of qualifying for Russia,” said Dr Jordaan.