Compared to the rest of Africa South African soccer is experiencing a boom in sponsorships. The current SuperSport PSL sponsorship deal will see the PSL grossing in the region of R2-billion over the 5-year sponsorship period. ABSA is also injecting a whooping R500 million over 5 years. This means that South African soccer clubs will be in an enviable financial situation. Which leads me to my point.
This means that PSL has become the drawcard for African players who want to move their careers to the next level. Due to the media coverage and focus on South Africa due to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the PSL has become a launch pad for an overseas transfer to Europe. This is the magnetism of the PSL to the African player. But is it enough to draw talent to our shows and hope that a gem shows up amongst the chancers.
I say South African clubs should actively scout for the best emerging talent on the continent. The way Jomo Sono plucked a then raw Benjamin “Benjani” Mwaruwari from Air Zimbabwe Jets FC is a case in point. Imagine how much Jomo Sono made from Benjani’s subsequent transfer to Europe. The same applied with the Zambian ace Christopher Katongo.
This is where it gets exciting. South African clubs must raise their game if they are to become world class. They should now be targeting to get the very best young talent from Africa. The next Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto’o and Jon Obi Mikel should be launched from South Africa. The very best young talent should not be moving straight to Europe to make their mark at second or third tier teams. It can be done if we have the resolve. Mamelodi Sundowns are paying the likes of Sibusiso Zuma and Collins Mbesuma monthly wages in the region of R200 000. This for players who may be past their best playing days. These figures would surely be enough to secure the signatures of Africa’s best U/17 and U/20 talents.
Let’s raise our game and we will profit. Yes, Benjani and Chris Katongo. But let’s be honest they are no Eto’o or Obi Mikel. Imagine the transfer fees we would rake in then. Now that’s good business.
