Kaizer Chiefs Head of Development, Walter Steenbok believes that the future for the Club’s development is bright. This was after the Club’s U17 team under the tutelage of legendary, Doctor Khumalo qualified for Gauteng International Tournament to be played in March this year.

The U17s lost to Moroka Swallows in penalties after the game had ended 2 all. Chiefs scorers in the game were youngsters, Eto Nqabeni and exciting winger, Ninja Ramabu.

“This was our first game this season and taking into consideration that the boys have not spent lot of time together, they have really done well. I congratulate both the players and the coaches for job well done,” he said revealing that 80% of the U17 team was promoted to the U20 team at the end of last year.

Walter Steenbok known to soccer fraternity, as “Baresi” believes that the tournament is a good opportunity for the players and the coaches to learn from their counterparts from Europe and America.

Teams from Europe and America have confirmed their attendance in the upcoming tournament to be staged in Soweto in March.

“It offers the boys with opportunity to play against international opposition. These teams come with different technical abilities, tactical approaches and different physical attributes. However, I have no doubt that we are capable of matching them during this growing phase,” he said confidently.

“The U17 side lost about 80% of players to U20s. We then promoted six players from U15 team. Other players were scouted in and around Gauteng during the trials held from November last year to January this year. There is lot of work that has been done but still a lot work that needs to be done. I have no doubt that we are on the right track,” he added.

Meanwhile, Walter Steenbok has confirmed to kaizerchiefs.com receipt of Youth Certificate from SAFA, “I attended a youth specialty course that allows you to work anywhere in the world. It was an extensive program that dealt with issues relating to development, technology, scouting criteria, nutrition and sports injuries.

It is very important for youth coaches to keep themselves abreast with the latest developments in the game. Hopefully in the next couple of years, we will be able to visit team like Schalke 04 in Germany who are running a successful youth program,” he added with a smile.