Why European Clubs Don't Scout Southern Africa: Mali Legend Frederic Kanoute Explains

• Frederic Kanoute believes there are so many talents in the South African region, but youth development must be improved upon
• The former Mali national played for top clubs in England, including West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League
• Kanoute enjoyed a trophy-laden career spell with Sevilla, winning two UEFA Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, and also two Spanish Cups

Former Mali international Frederic Kanoute has claimed that youth development in the Southern African region is still in a state of decline.

The 46-year-old, who bagged CAF's African Player of the Year award in 2007, still believes there are lots of football talents in the region.

However, Kanoute believes that significant strides to nurture football from the youth levels upward in Southern Africa need to take place.

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Football

When asked why players from the Southern region of Africa no longer play in top leagues, Kanoute replied, as per iDiski Times:

"I know the talent is huge. The problem is that I think in that Southern region, whether it is in terms of scouting from the top clubs in Europe, maybe the level of youth development they’re still a little bit behind.

"That’s why I’m involved in a very, very interesting project right now with a club in Zambia where we work on developing the player, developing the coaches, developing the facilities and the capacities of that particular club."

Who is Frederic Kanoute, Mali legend?

After edging Michael Essien and Didier Drogba to the African Player of the Year Award, Kanoute became the first player born outside Africa to win it.

During his active playing days, the former striker also featured for Premier League clubs like West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

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Football

He later moved to Spain, where he enjoyed a successful trophy-laden career with Sevilla, winning two UEFA Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, two Spanish Cup titles, and one Spanish Super Cup.

In 2013, Kanoute announced his retirement from being a professional footballer after his stint with the Chinese Super League outfit, Beijing Guoan.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Hugo Broos praised Bafana Bafana for a resilient display during their World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

South Africa secured an important one-all away draw in the qualifier tie in Uyo on June 7 to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Themba Zwane opened the scoring with an incredible strike, but the hosts levelled after, thanks to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.