Bafana Bafana legend Sbusiso “Rhee” Zuma is on a mission to revive grassroots football by identifying and nurturing talent in South Africa’s rural areas and townships.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday World, Zuma said there is an abundance of untapped potential in the country, but it is often overlooked due to lack of access, infrastructure, and investment in youth development.
To address this, Zuma, alongside other football stalwarts including former Kaizer Chiefs star Marks Maponyane, ex-Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer, and respected coach Dumisani Thusi, will host a three-day intensive football camp from July 4 to July 6 at Westville Old Boys Football Club in Durban.
Dubbed “The Ultimate Football Training Camp”, the initiative targets boys and girls aged six to 19 from across KwaZulu-Natal and its surrounding areas.
The goal is to offer world-class training, talent development, and a direct scouting opportunity for both local clubs and international academies.
Camp will be an annual event
Maponyane will lead striking techniques, Stemmer will focus on goalkeeping skills, and Zuma will coach goal-scoring and finishing.
“We’re not looking for a specific number. If we spot raw talent, we will immediately select and support that child,” Zuma stated.
“This will become an annual programme. Youth development is the root cause of the problems facing South African football. We are simply not scoring goals, and that reflects a technical gap in our strikers, something we aim to fix.”
In contrast to Europe, where structured youth development includes U8, U10, and U12 leagues, South Africa lacks similar frameworks, he said.
“In countries like Germany and Denmark, players are scouted and trained from as young as six. That’s why they keep producing global stars. We need to implement the same here,” he said.
Product of school football
The former FC Copenhagen star also highlighted the absence of proper facilities in underprivileged communities.
“Our best talent is in the rural areas and townships, but they’re not exposed to quality training grounds or equipment.
“I’d love to see government and private sector partners help build proper pitches in schools. I’m a product of school football, and I believe our future stars will come from there,” Zuma said.
The initiative is part of a broader effort through his Sbusiso Zuma Academy, which is based in Johannesburg. Plans are already underway to launch a Durban branch.
Zuma also revealed that he is in talks with Danish clubs, who have asked him to scout young talent aged 16 and above for possible overseas placements.
“We could see a few youngsters heading to Denmark in the next few months. That’s the level of opportunity we’re creating,” he added.
