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Parreira's 'bold step' welcomed
03/12/2007 12:43 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Local soccer coaches have praised Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on his emphasis on youth in his Bafana Bafana squad to contest the Afcon tournament in Ghana during January.
Parreira picked six Under-23 players including, Excellent Walaza, Bryce Moon, Tsepo Masilela, Lerato Chabangu, Lance Davids and Itumeleng Khune for the team.
Both Orlando Pirates' youth development director Augusto Palacios and Golden Arrows' coach Manqoba Mngqithi see this as a brave and bold step towards building team for World Cup 2010.
"There will some critics that will say this team is not strong enough for Afcon tournament; but as much as the tournament in Ghana is important, it is far more important to use the tournament to build a strong team for World Cup 2010.
"Parreira is using young players that will still be around during that time. The team for Ghana is a good mixture of experience and youth, so let us give Parreira all the support he needs to build the team that all South Africans will be proud of," says Palacios.
Abafana Bes'thende coach Manqoba Mngqithi also says the team should not be judged by the results in Ghana.
"We must look beyond the Afcon tournament. This is a team that I am confident will gain in strength and do well in 2010.
"Let us use this tournament to give our youngsters a chance to play and gain experience. I believe Parreira has taken a bold step in building for the future."
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Rugby
