Brandon Truter: How PSL clubs are getting it wrong with youngsters

Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter has revealed where PSL clubs are getting it wrong in terms of handling youngsters compared to their European counterparts.

The lack of proper development of youngsters leads players to struggle to adapt when they make a breakthrough to the senior level.

In Europe, development is taken seriously. Players are taken into the system and given opportunities to play at a young age.

BRANDON TRUTER SAYS DEVELOPMENT ISN’T TAKEN SERIOUSLY

According to Truter development of youngsters in South Africa is not taken seriously and is neglected.

“In South Africa, development is taken second nature, and we neglect it a lot. In Europe, they come from the development inside the academy,” Truter told the media.

“It’s talent that has been halted. It’s talent that should be given an opportunity, given time and patience. In Europe, boys manage their lifestyle, their finance and social media. That’s Europe. In South Africa, we don’t do these things.

“In Europe at 17, 18, 19 they [youngsters] will be fully developed; socially, physically and tactically as well. Our culture in South Africa is different, we want to compete to Europe, in Europe there is no skipping of development stages.

WHY YOUNGSTERS STRUGGLE AT SENIOR TEAMS

Truter further revealed why some South African youngsters struggle when they are promoted to the first teams at big clubs.

“In South Africa we don’t do those things [giving youngster opportunities early] then we expecting youngsters aged 21, 22 to come out as well and handle pressure at clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s not going to happen,” he added.

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