Though they are struggling in the DStv Premiership, lowly Cape Town Spurs have made a big stride to open European pathways for their budding stars.
Cape Town Spurs have been a pale shadow in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign. Even veteran coach Ernst Middendorp, who was roped in along the way, has struggled to turn a corner at the club.
At the moment, CT Spurs have remained stuck at the bottom of the log, with seven points after 17 matches.
Away from the league woes, the Mother City side has announced a strategic partnership with Core Sports Capital [CSC].
The thrust of the alliance is to improve talent identification and development as well as open pathways into Europe. CSC owns and manages European clubs that include French Ligue 1 outfit Clermont Foot 63.
They also have partnerships with SC Austria Lustenau and a Swiss club, FC Biel-Bienne, in the third division. In addition, CSC has identified Young Bafana Academy as an alliance partner. Young Bafana Academy is also based in Cape Town.
WHAT THE LOWLY CAPE TOWN SPURS CEO SAID ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
CT Spurs Chief Executive Officer Alexi Efstathiou confirmed the development. “We are very pleased to announce the relationship with CSC. The link-up with European clubs was high on our priority list once we were promoted back to the PSL.
“The added pathways that this will bring to our academy players is invaluable as they can now set their sights on achieving their European dreams. And with a club that is within their midst,” said Efstathiou.
“No longer should they be thinking of only the PSL. If they work hard enough, live the correct lifestyle and get themselves up to the required physical levels that European football demand. There is no reason that they cannot make it abroad.
“We have talented players in the country; we just need to prepare them better for the demands of international football.”
Founder and CEO of CSC Ahmet Schaefer is brimming with confidence that their union with Spurs will bring positive results.
“On behalf of Core Sports Capital and its portfolio of clubs, we are delighted to enter this exciting collaboration with Cape Town Spurs FC.
“It will allow us to strengthen our footprint not only in South Africa but on the African continent.
“The cooperation is a step in the right direction. And it is only a matter of time before the first player packs his bags and heads for the European big stage,” he said.
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