Cape Town Spurs’ Head of Youth, Duncan Crowie, has weighed in on the growing trend of young footballers leaving Cape Town academies for clubs based in Gauteng, particularly Mamelodi Sundowns.
The discussion follows the departure of another promising prospect from the city, adding to a growing list of academy players who have opted to continue their development outside the Western Cape.
While the pathway north is often seen as an opportunity, Crowie believes the wider impact on young players is not always fully considered.
CAPE YOUTH EXODUS TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Keanu Moses is the latest Cape Town Spurs academy product to leave Ikamva for the academy of Betway Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns. His move comes amid a broader trend that has seen several youngsters developed in Cape Town-based structures at clubs like Spurs, Ubuntu, Cape Town City and Antalyaspor depart in recent seasons.
The list includes Zazi Qotoyi, Daylin Tiemie, Ukhonkosi Sihlala, Hlumile Tshaka, Selwyn Stevens, Junaid Seedat, Shaqeel Edries, Indiphile Qokela, Ahlumile Bashman, Naaseeg Cornick, Buhle Majavu, Okuhle Majavu, Liam Marthinus, Xavier Jodamus, Anothando Menemene, Lizalise Magwaxaza, Inganathi Simama, Lizalise Mahumza and Zeke Felix.
Crowie feels the number of players relocating speaks to a wider issue facing football development in the region.
“There are so many talents that have moved up north, so many of them,” Crowie told FARPost.
While some believe Gauteng provides a stronger competitive environment, Crowie does not agree that moving away from home automatically benefits younger players. He instead highlighted the importance of family support and emotional stability during key developmental years.
“No no, football is football, but a child needs to grow up as a child. Children need families around them. When a child is without family, they get homesick. And when a child is homesick, he is not ready to go out and perform on the field.
“Soccer is soccer wherever you go. Yes, the altitude is different, which you can overcome if you stay there a long time. But a child needs guidance. You cannot replace parental guidance.
“I can say I am the head of youth at Spurs, I will be the father. That is idea is different, it is totally different. You need proper parental guidance.
“I have seen many players move from up country down to Cape Town, they take long to adapt or don’t adapt at all. That is important.
“A child will develop but he still needs his parents around hiim for guidance. He needs that parental love. Coaches cannot tell me they can replace parents.
“If you’re an adult, that is different. Any player from the ages of 17 and 18, that I see as adults. For youngsters, it is a very difficult story.
“I personally had a player at my house the other day. He was here for two months, he got homesick. We were there for him but it is different. Nobody can replace parents. He is a top player, but he was struggling with homesickness.
“That is just one example of many,” Crowie added.
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