Orlando Pirates reserve team coach Joseph Makhanya says he’s pleased about the returning trend of young talent being afforded opportunities in the top-flight.
This season, there’s been a noticeable influx of DStv Diski Challenge graduates flourishing in the senior teams at various top-flight clubs.
In Pirates’ case, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota have become key figures in Jose Riveiro’s starting line-ups, who worked under Makhanya for a couple of seasons after being lured to the club.
“I’m happy things have taken this turn again [influx of youngsters] because you know at the highest level, it’s about winning, so at some point there were certain innovations put into place like Diski Challenge [to offer game time],” he said.
“Now the Carling Cup has also extended the innovation which is commendable – it’s now making sure these youngsters get a taste of what [first-team football] looks like, what it feels like at the highest level [in the country].
“I’d like to believe their growth and progression is something to pride ourselves with as coaches who are working with them at the lower leagues and Diski Challenge as well.”
Makhanya was the assistant coach of the Carling All Stars with Riveiro last season as they stunned Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch to win the Carling Cup, with Mfundo Vilakazi and Jabulani Mokone starring in Polokwane in the 2-1 victory.
“It’s quite exciting [the blend of DDC and senior players], it becomes a learning phase for the youngsters,” he explained at the Carling Cup launch.
“The senior players, some of them are idolised and they get to play with them, which it makes it even nicer, but even it’s an experience as a coach. Especially to work with the youngsters, to get an intro of what to expect [at senior football] it’s an experience for both.”
