From George Aluo, Praia
Dutch ex international of Cape Verdean decent, David Mendes Da Silva says African football would remain backward except African ex internationals who have seen it all out there in Europe and other parts of the world look towards home.
Mendes who is the Ambassador of the just concluded Africa Youth Cup tournament in Cape Verde said he decided to accept the Ambassadorial role offered him by the organizers as a way of helping and inspiring African kids who want to play football.
Mendes in an exclusive interview with The Nigerian Xpress Sports said given the way the game is growing, African legends must do more to grow the game technically and tactically.
Mendes who is the Ambassador of the just concluded Africa Youth Cup tournament in Cape Verde said he decided to accept the Ambassadorial role offered him by the organizers as a way of helping and inspiring African kids who want to play football.
Mendes in an exclusive interview with The Nigerian Xpress Sports said given the way the game is growing, African legends must do more to grow the game technically and tactically.
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“Football is not an individual sports where the brilliance of one man guarantees victory. This is a game in which a lot of technique and team work come into play and these are the things lacking in African football. A lot of work need to be done. African football need better coaches, better organization and planning and these are areas where ex internationals should come in and contribute their quota. We all have to give back to the African society and not remain in Europe,” Mendes said.
The former Ajax Amsterdam star said he would in another three months, precisely in July return again to Cape Verde with Dutch coaches for a training program aimed at updating the knowledge of Cape Verdean coaches.
Mendes was full of praise for the organizers of the Africa Youth Cup declaring that it is a tournament that would take African football to the next level.
“I’m happy not only to be the Ambassador of this tournament but with the tournament itself. It is great that we now have a youth tournament in Africa. The tournament has started well and it can only get better,” he said.
The former Ajax Amsterdam star said he would in another three months, precisely in July return again to Cape Verde with Dutch coaches for a training program aimed at updating the knowledge of Cape Verdean coaches.
Mendes was full of praise for the organizers of the Africa Youth Cup declaring that it is a tournament that would take African football to the next level.
“I’m happy not only to be the Ambassador of this tournament but with the tournament itself. It is great that we now have a youth tournament in Africa. The tournament has started well and it can only get better,” he said.
