Katza scouting for Copa talent
Former South African international Ricardo Katza says that the young boys participating at the 2012 COPA Coca-Cola International Football Stars tournament have loads of ability.
The former SuperSport United league champion feels the teenagers need to get proper guidance from mentors in their native countries to continue their progress.
The tournament is currently taking place at St. Alban’s College in Pretoria and Katza is there on official business – scouting players for the SuperSport United-Tottenham Hotspur Academy.
“I am here to have a look at some players we have been told about prior to the tournament,” Katza says.
“There are some names we have heard about before and we want to have a proper look at them.
“We want to see the players over a period of three tournament days so that we can have a full understanding and proper view of their skills and technical abilities.
“There are certain qualities we are looking for in these players. Firstly these players have to be better than the boys we currently have at SuperSport,” explained the former Hellenic and Seven Stars defender.
“We are looking for boys who are between the ages of 16 and 17 years of age because they will spend two years in the academy before proceeding to the first team.”
Looking at the tournament itself, the former Bafana Bafana centre-back was full of praise for the Coca-Cola initiative and suggested many more tournaments like these take place to unearth the hidden diamonds throughout the African continent.
“For most of them (the players) it is the first time that they have left their countries and it is good that they are here to learn new things and work with international coaches.
“I hope they enjoy this experience and use this valuable period to improve their game.”
The best players from the nine teams participating in the tournament will form an All-Star side to take on the Under-19 SuperSport United side on Friday.
