Godfrey Sapula on what youth coaches must do to produce quality players

Mamelodi Sundowns youth coach Godfrey Sapula has shared his opinion on what youth coaches must do in order to produce quality players for the professional ranks.

In recent seasons, the Sundowns academy has emerged as a breeding ground for exceptional talent, consistently producing players who have seamlessly integrated into the senior team.

These include the likes of Percy Tau, Sphelele Mkhulise, Cassius Mailula, Siyabonga Mabena, and Siyanda Nyanga.

Two of Sundowns’ academy graduates, Tau and Mailula, have embarked on football journeys, with Tau establishing himself as a key player at Al Ahly and Mailula showcasing his talents in MLS with Toronto FC. Both players had a successful stint with the Tshwane giants in the DStv Premiership.

GODFREY SAPULA SAYS YOUTH COACHES MUST BE CLOSE TO THE FIRST-TEAM

According to the Sundowns legend, youth coaches must actively observe first-team training sessions to gain insights into the club’s tactical demands and ensure a smooth transition for players from the academy to the senior squad.

At Sundowns, they are already practicing this system. Coach Rulani Mokwena is open to having coaches from different ranks take part in the first team training sessions.

“With the success that we have in the first team, we are under pressure which is a good pressure from the academy levels. We need to feed the first team with better players to maintain the level and the standard,” said Sapula.

“If you are not closer to the first team, you will not be able to produce that type of player that is needed. You have to be there to witness changes. You got to know what is the demand for you as an academy coach in a certain position that could be a demand in the first team.

“Like now we talking about Cassius Mailula, we need more of those. These types of players will ensure that there is continuity in the first team in that success.”

RELATED STORY: Vela Khumalo wants to produce world-class players