Established in 2016, local football team YSD Macassar has grown to incorporate up to 120 players across all age divisions, from under-7 to under-18, two senior teams and a women’s team, with consistent performances in the leagues of the Cape Town Tygerberg Local Football Association (LFA).
But their pride so far has been the development of a player to represent South Africa at under-20 and under-23 level – Chippa United’s Zuko Mdunyelwa.
“As the name suggests, Youth Soccer Development, or YSD Macassar, is all about providing opportunities and the development of youngsters,” said head coach and club chairperson Derick Mbasa. “We have the technical expertise in the form of qualified coaches and established relationships with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD) teams, giving us an ideal platform to take players to trials and see their development through.”
He is incredibly proud of Mdunyelwa’s achievements to date. “It’s important for the youth in our community to take note of his achievements, because it proves there’s so much potential and opportunities for anyone with a hunger for success to follow a similar path.”
Preparations for the 2023 season are well under way and registration is open for new players to join the club. Mbasa urged the community to join the club, even parents and volunteer staff are required.
“We had a great season this year,” he said. “Although our seniors finished mid-table, there were plenty of positives, as we won a knock-out tournament and our women’s team did really well.”
He spoke about the club’s goals for the upcoming season, inviting the greater community to join their ranks. “We accept boy and girl players from under-7 upwards,” Mbasa pointed out.
“Our focus is youth soccer and we will help push them to a higher level.”
The club is also assisted by a retired technical coach with PSL experience, which brings about regular quality assessments of players.
Another advantage at the YSD Macassar is that the club takes players on annual tours and excursions to learn more about the beautiful game and faces opposition in different environments, which gives them exposure from an early age.
Mbasa said the club currently has no sponsors and depends on the kindness of the community to meet its running costs and transport expenses throughout the season.
“There’s definitely talent coming through from the community, as seen by former players who climbed the ranks. We are committed to continuing to provide these opportunities by sharing in the passion we have for this game,” he added.
VFor more information on YSD Macassar, call Mbasa on 079 884 8029.
