Ubuntu FC executive director, Casey Prince, has explained why Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are the best stylistic fit for their academy products, even though breaking into those teams remains one of the toughest challenges in South African football.
Rated as one of the leading academies in Cape Town, Ubuntu have produced a steady stream of talent for clubs. The list includes Stellenbosch FC, SuperSport United, and Cape Town City FC. Some of the players include Antonio Van Wyk, Siviwe Magidigidi and Jody Ah Shene locally, while they have also exported numerous players to Europe and America.
Stellenbosch’s 2024 side, which won both the DStv Diski Challenge and the Next Generation Cup in England, featured 10 players who came through the Ubuntu system. The latest graduate to make the move to the Cape Winelands is highly-rated captain Solethu ‘Razor’ Mabhenu.
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Prince believes Stellenbosch offer a strong environment and good player care, but admits their playing style does not always suit Ubuntu products, which can affect how quickly they progress. In contrast, he feels Sundowns and Pirates align far more closely with Ubuntu’s football philosophy.
Sundowns recently signed Sivuziwe Lonzi from Ubuntu, while Pirates’ DDC side includes Tristan O’Malley, Lyle Chatburn and Kieran Craig.
“We can send players to Stellenbosch, and they will be well treated, but they may not progress the way we hoped,” Prince told FARPost. “So we need to be a bit more strategic about it.
“The two most successful teams in the country also have the best playing style for our kids,” he said when asked which clubs best suit the Ubuntu model. “It is Sundowns and Pirates, but there is very little pathway to the first team.
“At Sundowns, there is a marginal pathway. At Pirates, they have promoted some young players lately.”
“But they are still massive clubs with massive spending power,” Prince continued. “Those are the two clubs that play most like us. Cape Town City also have similarities.
“We actually have more products there than at any other club. They are not in the Betway Premiership right now. But it looks like they are on their way back,” he concluded.
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