ILAN HERRMANN
ILAN HERRMAN
This tournament, named for famous Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, brings together teams from across Europe in the under-9 and under-10 age groups. It is one of the most recognised of its kind and is by invitation only.
This year two sides from South Africa went on the tour. Manager and co-trainer Guy Taitz seized the opportunity with both hands when he was informed that Barcelona had pulled out and an invitation came through for sides from South Africa to enter. Taitz worked hard to put the tour together, which eventually came off splendidly.
The South African teams took part under the name “The South African All Stars”. The players got a taste of what soccer is like out there in the heart of the soccer world against teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs, Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord and a whole host of others.
Five of the South African players that went across are Jewish and play for local clubs: Zach Taitz, under-9, goalkeeper and captain of the under-9 team (Balfour Park & KDL); David Joseph, under-9, defender (Balfour Park & KDL); Jonathan Azoulay, under-9, striker (Pro Athletico & KDL); Daniel Froehlich, under-10, right wing (Balfour Park & KDL); and Noah Sarakinsky, under-10, goalkeeper (Highlands Park & Bellavista).
Taitz had good things to say about all the players and that considering the difference in experience and exposure that the foreign sides have compared to the South African boys, “we did well”.
The one week trip included warm-up games; the actual tournament; a few more friendly games and then a day touring the city.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which literally changed the lives of these kids,” said Taitz. It’s a dream opportunity and an eye-opener from a soccer point of view. While the South African players played with heart and had some individual moments of brilliance, they were a fair distance from the European sides.”
“I think nerves played their part in the kids’ mental space, which obviously affected their game in the tournament. This showed itself when in the friendlies which followed the tournament, the boys played far better. It was the sight of seeing teams like Manchester City and Chelsea running onto the pitch that unnerved them.”
The game is inordinately more difficult in Europe with speed and acceleration, control and distribution, all on a much higher level. The boys are groomed from a young age to be tested on far more challenging levels of physique, training and often from very experienced coaches.
Another highlight at the tournament was the attendance of Manchester United’s celebrated striker and the ambassador of the event, Robin van Persie, who met with the kids, had pictures taken with them and spoke with the teams.
One of the players who stood out for the South African group was Zach Taitz, the goalkeeper, captain of the under-9 squad and son of Guy. Scouts were on the lookout for talented future prospects, and Zach was approached and asked to stay behind the next day for a training session with the head goalkeeping coach of Feyernoord FC.
After impressing them further, he was granted an invitation to join the Feyenoord Youth Academy.
It’s a monumental consideration and a decision his parents are contemplating. While being a great opportunity, it has many surrounding complications and the regulations for players under 16 are particularly difficult to work around.
“Zach had a good tournament and pulled off some outstanding saves,” said his father. “He made a big difference in some of the games, keeping the scoreline modest to what could have been far more goals conceded.”
