Driven by a deep passion for unearthing talent, Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has explained why he prefers to personally scout for players over hosting open soccer trials.
Over the years, Baroka have produced players who have gone on to play for the big teams in the Betway Premiership, such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as represent Bafana Bafana.
This includes players like Gift Motupa, Thabiso Kutumela, Evidence Makgopa, Goodman Mosele, Lantshene Phalane and others.
Most of these players arrive at the highest level through the recommendation of Mphahlele.
WHY THE BAROKA FC BOSS FEELS THE NEED TO HUNT FOR PLAYERS BY HIMSELF
“I feel I can do better when it comes to scouting as compared to someone bringing a player to me or a player who still needs to go for trials,” Mphahlele told FARPost in Lephalale, where he was monitoring a defender playing in the ABC Motsepe League.
“Normally, players that I bring to the club are not coming for trials. Most of the time, I go look for players who are under-23, whereas people just bring old players. Sometimes old or experienced players are good. But if there are many, they won’t help you. You only need a few experienced players on the field of play.”
“Currently, the squad that plays now, they are all my boys. Players that were brought in by other coaches and other people are all gone because they were not giving us anything.
KHURISHI MPHAHLELE GIVES EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE PLAYERS HE SCOUTED FOR HIS CLUB
“I saw [Tshepho] Mashiloane and [Evidence] Makgopa playing at a local tournament in Moroke, Limpopo. I saw Lantshene Phalane when he was playing for an LFA team.
“Bonginkosi Makume, I saw him playing at the Maimane Phiri Tournament in Alexandra. Most of them have a bit of history with me. I will go to some of their matches and identify them.”
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