A star-studded contingent of Bafana Bafana legends – led by Matthew Booth, Moeneeb Josephs, as well as former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Jabulani Mendu – have descended on the Free State in an ambitious, long-term drive to rescue the country’s grassroots football and unearth the next generation of elite talent.
The local football greats have turned their attention to the town of Parys in a drive to cultivate football talent. The project by the retired footballers aims to open doors for aspiring players in the area.
Booth, through his foundation Booth Africa, was also joined by ex-Mamelodi Sundowns stars Tebogo Langerman and Lucky Qaba, who graced the pilot project. Parys natives Tumelo Nhlapo, formerly with Bloemfontein Celtic, and Zolile Motha, who helped Bafana win the 2008 COSAFA Cup, also added experience and prominence to the initiative.
They contributed to activities with youth footballers at Fezile Dabi Stadium in the Parys township of Tumahole last week. Bafana stars Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule were plucked in the Free State town of Bethlehem, a potential Parys has.
BAFANA BAFANA GREAT MATTHEW BOOTH ON OBJECTIVE OF PARYS PROJECT
Reflecting on South Africa’s participation at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Bafana legends cast their eyes on the resort town, seeking to unearth fresh talent in a long-term goal.
Speaking to FARPost, Booth explained the objective of their project, which includes different age groups of both boys and girls and is powered by Tractionel Holdings. “The objective of the activation was to try and stimulate football in the area, to give young boys and girls an opportunity not only to get kit and boots, but also to give them an experience with ex-players,” Booth told this publication.
“So there is a transfer of knowledge. There was also an educational piece, so we focused on its importance. It was an opportunity for the company Tractionel Holdings to give back to the community they are operating in. More importantly, to try and create some form of sustainable interaction in the area. So it’s important to first go in and do the pilot project and find out who is who in the area, what level of talent they have, the facilities they have, etc.
“It was a very successful event, and we are hoping to do many more of them. More importantly, during this time of the World Cup, I think everyone was focused on Bafana Bafana, and we are trying to make sure that people are mainly focused on grassroots football as well, because ultimately that’s what feeds our national team.
“I think everyone in football can agree that our grassroots football is not in the greatest shape. So companies like Tractionel and other corporates play an important role in trying to stimulate grassroots football.”
NOT A ONCE-OFF PROJECT: BAFANA BAFANA LEGEND MATTHEW BOOTH EMPHASISES SUSTAINABILITY
“It’s very important for us not to just do what we call touch and go. What we hate is doing one project and never going in there again. That doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t feel good doing that,” Booth went on.
“So, it’s important to do a pilot project to get the trust of the local authorities and also to encourage not only this corporate Tractionel who helped us, but also other corporates in the area to create some sort of sustainability.
“It’s important that we do regular projects to keep the kids involved and enthusiastic about the game, and hopefully unearth the talent that is there and encourage them to continue playing the game. So it’s a virtuous cycle that we are trying to create, and this was just the first step.”
BACK TO BASICS: MENDU EMPHATIC ABOUT GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
Former Amakhosi star Mendu is clear that the Tumahole community has a football opportunity that has never been experienced in other areas.
“When you are being taught by someone who has walked the path that you want to walk, who did what you want to do, all your dreams, who has achieved your dreams, it’s [something] very important, especially for the community,” Mendu said.
“School and football go hand in hand. I was impressed because we are not here for football only, but for educational purposes. So, that’s very fantastic. Football is something else; you enjoy playing the game in the streets with your friends.
“But now, when you want to go somewhere, you need to understand that football has rules, has dynamics. You need to know how to control the ball. Let’s just talk about skill and dribbling. These players do not understand the difference between skill and dribbling, so they need to practice juggling the ball and passing the ball.
“They need to practice all the skills for them to achieve what they want because this game will change you. This game will take you all over the world.
“I’m emotional because I met Matthew through this game, all my friends through this game. So I think we are on the right track with Booth Africa.”
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