Radebe praises Motsepe for bringing back schools football

Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe believes Patrice Motsepe is the biblical Messiah football has been hoping for. 

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Motsepe is the president of Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (Caf). 

Radebe is however more impressed with how Motsepe has brought back schools football through an international tournament currently going on in Durban. 

The African Schools Football Championship kicked off on Wednesday and Radebe is one of its ambassadors. 

The tournament will run until Saturday April 8. Besides the tournament, Caf also held various training courses for local youth. 

Speaking to Ukhozi FM’s Victor Molife on Wednesday evening, Radebe was full of praise for Motsepe.

“As may all know, we have been talking about schools’ football for a long time,” said Radebe. 

A call for a return to active schools’ football is a long standing one in South Africa as it is believed it is where the best talent can be identified. 

The likes of Radebe, Helman Mkhalele, Doctor Khumalo and many other former players were recruited from schools. 

“And we have been complaining that schools’ football is dead or dying. But now Patrice with his power he has firstly brought former players into his vision.

“It has taken football onto another level. This gives an opportunity to the young and upcoming players. 

Motsepe knows what football needs

“I mean, for them to play an international football competition as young as they are – from ages of 12 to 15. 

“We know this is not development and it should go lower than that (age). But this is a great opportunity,” added Rhoo. 

Besides reviving schools’ football, Radebe says Motsepe has been doing his bit with his family foundation’s trust. 

“He has played a big role in football… With Mamelodi Sundowns, the Motsepe Foundation (Championship) and ABC Motsepe League. 

“So, he knows what is needed in order to improve or to get football to the next level,” added Radebe. 

Motsepe was elected Caf president in 2021, replacing Ahmad Ahmad of Morocco. 

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In his manifesto, he had 10 points which included investing in each African country through sponsorships; developing and growing women’s football and establishing Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) on the continent.

And a rule has been passed by Caf that every team participating in the Champions League as from next season should have a women’s team as well.