Orlando Pirates Director of Youth Academy and coach, Augusto Palacios, is delighted with the progress made by the club's Under-17 team at the Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament.
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The Buccaneers have advanced to the semi-finals of the youth competition, following their 3-1 win over three-time winners and tournament favourites Club Atlético Mineiro of Brazil yesterday.
"This is what we have been working towards since we re-opened the academy two years ago, it's about identifying talent that can compete at the highest level from early on in their development. In 1999 we had Lesley Manyathela, Gift Leremi, Joseph Makhanya, and within that group we saw seven of them elevated to the starting line-up of the senior team in a Soweto Derby," Palacios told the club's official website.
"The winning results in the last two games are important because they show a winning mentality, but what's crucial for us is giving them a platform to shine and represent the Club in the best way possible. We have played two games now against Belgian and Brazilian opposition and won well. It's a sign that we are moving in the right direction.
"I always tell the players about their responsibility as youth players, and also about the passion and dedication of the Chairman regarding development. It has been frustrating for him that we haven't produced as many players for the first team as we did before, but the reshuffle of things administratively has meant that we are in a better position to do so now. I firmly believe that these players currently have the potential to break into the first team ranks like in previous years. But it's also important to make sure they are ready as well, not to throw them in for the sake of playing," added Palacios.
Palacios and his team are preparing for their final group stage game with Arthur Zwane's Kaizer Chiefs at the Nike Centre this afternoon.
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"We've been working to instil an ethos of teamwork amongst the players, and helping them to understand what it means to play for this brand. At the end of the day it's about the collective effort, rather than the individual, and this is what brings great success in all games. We have a big game coming up today, the Soweto Derby, and it won't be easy. Playing in Soweto also means we won't be short of support because there's a Pirates and Chiefs fan around every corner. It should be a fantastic game for the players, and will give them a taste of the ultimate match for all football players that are based in South Africa," concluded Palacios.
