Former Ajax and Sundowns star believes PSL could be stronger if it scouted more Varsity Football talent

Former Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Brent Carelse, has praised the significant role Varsity Football is playing in developing the next generation of football stars.

Carelse highlighted how the competition not only provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills but also helps them gain valuable experience, discipline, and exposure to a higher level of competition.

According to the 44-year-old, the tournament pathway is crucial in bridging the gap between grassroots football and the professional game, ensuring that promising players have the opportunity to grow, be noticed, and eventually make their mark on the bigger stage.

“I've actually been very, very impressed with Varsity Football since it's come on board. It also gives us another option or another pathway to get to the professional ranks and I'm very happy with the teams that have actually signed players from the Varsity Football,” said Carelse.

“The good thing about players in Varsity Football is that they are being educated, they're intelligent players, women and men, who also want to pursue a sport at a professional level, which is a lovely thing.”

Carelse added that Varsity Football should be utilized more as a platform for identifying and scouting emerging young talent.

He believes the Premier Soccer League (PSL) could be even stronger if it tapped more into the talent emerging from the Varsity Football tournament.

“So, to combine the two is just awesome, but I think it's possibly another pathway for professional clubs to go into scouting, talent ID, and it's a good thing,” he adds.

“They don't only need to look at the academies or the ABC or the NFD, but they can actually go to the Varsity Football as well.

“A wealth of talent that is produced by the tournament year in year out and it’s good to see that youngsters are grabbing the opportunity to play in Varsity Football with both hands.”

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By: Ayanda Frances Felem.