The countdown of the eagerly awaited second edition of Varsity Football tournament which kicks offs on Monday has begun.

The new season promises fireworks and plenty of entertainment which will keep the soccer fanatics on the edge of their seats.

But development is a thorny issue in South Africa, to say that the state of development is disappointing would be an understatement. Something needs to be done to fast track the slow progress of development in SA.

The fact that Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the recently completed 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil is a clear indication of the dismal status of development of the beautiful game.

The national under-23 team also failed to book their ticket at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, while the Youth (under-20 and under-17) teams followed suit by failing to qualify for the junior World Cups.

I can speak about the failures of our national football structures until the cows come home. But here comes Varsity Football initiative that offers young aspiring footballers with the platform to launch their careers.

I give this wonderful initiative thumbs up!

This year only players under the age of 25 are eligible to play in the 10 weeks tournament. That’s great for football development this is something that we need to unearth talent for the National First Division, the Premier Soccer League and the third tier league of South African football teams.

Quality players have to be produced and Varsity Football initiative will play a significant role in fulfilling this role.

Last year’s inaugural tournament was an overwhelming success. For instance player of the tournament and the golden boot recipient Thabo Mnyamane was snatched up the University of Pretoria.

Mnyamane made an immediate impact in the Premiership finding the back of the net on four occasions.

What an amazing player and a true ambassador of the competition.  We are hoping that they will be other talented players that will be discovered at the tournament and go on to have an impact at the highest level in the PSL.

Often young players are not given a chance in South Africa, but this competition will force coaches to be able to take a gamble and field young players. The age group is great for the future of SA football.

We have just recently witnessed the biggest football competition at the World Cup in Brazil. Many a country used their young players and that move paid off.

At the age of 22, Mario Gotze of Germany scored the important goal that won his country the World Cup title. Imagine what it would be like for a South African player, who has come through the same initiative to be hailed as a national hero.

Varsity Football offers players with the chance of playing competitive football. Competitive Youth tournaments are scarce in SA. But above all this competition promotes education and friendship.

It’s not just restricted to the footballers, but other students can venture into administration and other sports related jobs.

But the biggest incentive for players is that they will also get a big chance to display their careers in front of television. It doesn’t get bigger than that as their matches will be broadcast live on the big screen.

There are also man-of-the-match prizes for outstanding performers. There is also plenty of entertainment for the fans with prizes and other things to look forward to.

Let the games begin and may the best team win.

By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports writer