South African Football Association

By TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – THE South African Football Association (SAFA) and LaLiga, the Spanish League, have reiterated their  agreement to boost the development of the game in the Southern African country.
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, and Antonio Barradas, the Director of LaLiga’s Africa office, presided over the proceedings in Soweto. Jordaan and LaLiga President, Javier Tebas, signed the agreement.
They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the collaboration of the two institutions in a number of initiatives meant to boost the growth of the sport in the country.
Part of the MOU provides an opportunity for SAFA to send some promising young South African players to Spain to train with some of LaLiga clubs, allowing them to showcase their skills.
In order to mark this momentous occasion and kick off the relationship,LaLiga has donated 2000 soccer balls to SAFA which they have committed to distribute to rural areas focusing on schools and some remote regions.
Further, the two football bodies will also cooperate closely in developing women’s football, an area SAFA has identified as requiring special attention.
“We are grateful to have such a partner as football development is a massive responsibility which requires interested stakeholders to work together,” said Jordaan.
Barradas mentioned the collaboration with SAFA was part of LaLiga’s strategy to assist stakeholders that recognize the importance of
developing football and understood the positive impact the sport can provide in society.
“We are delighted to be partnering with SAFA and are very impressed with their goals for Vision 2022. We can only hope that this collaboration will ultimately benefit the football community in South Africa,” said Barradas.
– Guardian