Wandile Duba's goal against Golden Arrows was a classic reminder that South African clubs take too long to fully introduce youngsters when all they need is an opportunity to grow themselves on the big stage.
Duba's goal is one that the greats of South African football would have been proud of, the likes of Jomo Sono, Benni McCarthy and Shaun Bartlett, who were top marksman themselves during their playing days. But it's a moment that could have been much earlier had the Chiefs coaches given him more of a run in the first team since he was promoted.
There is no denying that coaching is football's most thankless job and many are forced to use experienced players in an effort to secure employment for an extended period. But, at times, some of the young players do come through.
A lot of the time coaches talk about how young players are not ready to play in the Premiership or for big clubs and then they are loaned out to get experience elsewhere. Getting loaned out is not really such a bad thing for young players, but at times there is no need. Players just need a chance to play and that's how they will improve and gain the experience they need. How else will they get experience if they are not getting opportunities?
The problem is that some of the youngsters get an opportunity and then they are left out of the team for long periods after that. There is no consistency in team selection and at times it can leave the youngsters discouraged, especially if they do not have strong mindsets.
Chiefs should not have taken too long to give Duba his first start of the season and there is one reason for this. At the moment, the Chiefs strikers are struggling. Ranga Chivaviro is no lethal weapon in front of goal, Ashley du Preez is wasting numerous opportunities in front and Jasond Gonzalez has contributed nothing in terms of goals. So, why not give Duba more of a run? And the good thing about young players is that they can learn a lot more on the pitch than when they are on the bench.
This is the perfect time for Chiefs to give Duba an opportunity to play regularly and gain experience. If they take this opportunity to field him more and allow him to make mistakes, then he can be ready to play regularly and be one of their leading strikers next season. They should not be afraid to give him a run in the starting line-up more often, or else he will become another one of the young players who disappear because they just did not believe in him.
More South African clubs should use the opportunity to play talented youngsters to give them the experience they need to grow in the game. That happens in Europe and a lot of them end up being successful in their careers.
