Kwanele Kopo calls for stronger scouting to unlock SA hidden gems
20th February 2026
By
University of Pretoria head coach Kwanele Kopo has challenged professional clubs in South Africa to strengthen their scouting networks and broaden their search for talent nationwide.
Kopo was responding to questions about the level of talent in the Northern Cape following their recent visit to face Hungry Lions, insisting the region possesses significant potential that remains largely untapped.
The AmaTuks mentor believes more clubs should actively explore such areas, arguing that inadequate scouting structures remain a shortcoming at the highest level of the local game.
"We have Samuel Julies, who comes from that side, but I think it's about opportunity, I don't think we must underestimate the Northern Cape," said Kopo.
"There's a lot of talented players there, and they bring a certain profile also in the game that you don't find in other provinces – a lot of fighting spirit, a lot of speed.
"But are we affording those players an opportunity? That's the question I think all professional clubs in South Africa have got to ask ourselves. How many times are we going there to scout players?
"And I think we have a responsibility as clubs, but also with government and all that, to provide opportunities for these players, not only to scout at national tournaments and all that, but to go into the provinces and unearth talent.
"But I have no doubt that there's a lot of talent in the Northern Cape, just like any other province, but I think the biggest challenge is that maybe our clubs are not reaching out enough to those provinces.
"And this tournament, again, provides that opportunity in that if you do well in your province, you're going to get to the last 32 and get a platform to showcase yourself, and hopefully professional teams then can grab you from there."
