KZN SAFA President slams PSL clubs’ scouting failures as top talent leaves the province

KwaZulu-Natal SAFA President Mazwi Mkhize has issued a stinging rebuke to the province’s Premier Soccer League clubs, accusing them of failing to properly scout and retain local talent.

His comments come as the province prepares to welcome a fourth club into the Betway Premiership for the 2025/2026 season, with the return of Durban City — formerly known as Maritzburg United — to the top flight. 

But Mkhize has warned that merely having representation in the league is not enough if clubs continue to overlook the wealth of talent on their doorstep.

Speaking to Ukhozi FM following the launch of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge, Mkhize praised the return of Durban City but expressed deep frustration at a trend that has seen the province’s brightest footballers thrive elsewhere.

“It’s important, very important, that clubs gain promotion but we have a big problem with clubs in our province. I’m not sure if Durban City will follow the same route as AmaZulu and Golden Arrows,” said Mkhize.

“They go out there and sign over 30-year-old players whilst there are 21/22-year-old players that they ignore, and when those young players go to Gauteng and shine, they want to buy them back with millions in transfer fees.”

KwaZulu-Natal has long been a hotbed of football talent, producing players who have gone on to feature at the highest level both locally and abroad. 

However, Mkhize pointed out that clubs within the province continue to lose out on these talents due to ineffective scouting and poor development structures.

“You ask yourself why Thabo Cele and Thalente Mbatha are both from KwaMashu but are at Chiefs and Pirates, and how Richards Bay missed Mbekezeli Mbokazi who is from Hluhluwe,” he said.

The SAFA KZN boss didn’t mince his words, going as far as to suggest clubs take drastic action if their scouting departments continue to fail.

“If these clubs do have scouts at the moment, then they should fire them because how are they letting the best players in the province slip through their fingers.”

Mkhize’s comments arrive at a critical time, with clubs like AmaZulu, Golden Arrows, Richards Bay, and now Durban City expected to reflect the footballing identity of the province. 

Instead, the heavy reliance on ageing players and a neglect of local talent continues to undermine any real sense of progress.

The issue also speaks to a wider concern in South African football — a disconnect between grassroots development and the professional game. 

While tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge continue to unearth raw gems, the transition from amateur to pro level remains poorly managed.

Unless KwaZulu-Natal’s clubs begin to invest in long-term development and trust the province’s own production line, Mkhize believes the region will continue to watch its best players thrive in other jerseys — while it plays catch-up in its own backyard.