Former Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster has explained the advantages young players have in Europe as compared to those back home in South Africa.
Foster is currently in Belgium, on a season-long loan with Cercle Brugge from French Ligue 1 giants Monaco, whom he joined from Pirates in January last year.
The 19-year-old has been finding his feet abroad for more than a year now and has since learnt a thing or two about how his current teammates are better equipped at a young age as opposed to those back home.
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"In South Africa, serious development only starts at around 13," says the national under-23 star, who began his career at The Buccaneers at the age of 12.
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"In Europe, the top academies have age groups from the age of six, where kids are already learning the basics of the game, so they have a clear advantage when they move up to more competitive levels.
"The other huge thing in development is parent involvement. I was fortunate enough to have parents who supported me every step of the way and made huge sacrifices to help me get to where I am today.
"But many of the players I played with, their parents weren't involved at all. It's a big factor."
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Foster, who is hoping to return to Monaco's first-team setup next season, has pleaded with clubs back home in the PSL to hand opportunities to more teenagers.
"What I really want to see in South Africa is more young players coming through and getting the opportunity to play in the professional ranks," he adds.
"The boys in academies and the reserve league [MultiChoice Diski Challenge] must get their chances to show how they can perform at a higher level. In Europe, Borussia Dortmund's two best players are 19 years old.
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"We can have a huge impact if given the chance. We must believe in young talent. Young players are hungry to prove a point and can add a new dynamic and spark to the team."