Out of Africa

[beelzebub 22,743]

Out of Africa

Quite an interesting read and serves to reinforce ( for mine ) that there is a huge wealth of talent awaitng to be mined. Some years back I watched in fascination and excitement as a bloke called Paul Mugambwa plied his wares fro South Freo. Certainly more the rough diamond than the polished but the value of the gem was unmistakable. The amazing agility and skills were there, just not all of the footy nouse but then he wasnt brought up on Cornflakes, Meat Pies Kangaroos and Holden Cars !! But a new generation IS !!!

If Rookie-ing is often about a bit of a puint then I think our club could fare a lot worse than looking into "other" areas and talent pools for the next smokey. Ireland is a known entity for skills etc and none other but our own esteemed "Jimma" is proof so it goes surely that there is more than one pool from which all players come.

I hope Prendergast and his and of merry men have taken some thoughts towards looking in these directions

[RalphiusMaximus 6,005]

Very good article. I'd love to see some footage of this kid to compare with the likes of Butcher. As they say, he could be worth a Rookie spot. Perhaps in Zomers place.

[DaveyJones'sLocker 637]

i have seen this kid before ... not for a while tho

i went to this school and i live within 2 mins of whydamvale football oval.

it is a great story...

i might be able to find/get some footage from him in school footy or WRFL (whydamvale) ill look into it

[wisedog 332]

When I was at the Dome on Friday I was actually quite surprised by the number of Africans I saw among the crowd. I've often wondered how immigrants feel about aussie rules, or if they're more inclined towards supporting soccer or basketball, but it's great to see they're taking to the game.

[beelzebub 22,743]

It was interesting to note the bit in the article which refered to the replacement of soccer with footy. Was surprised at that ut just shows what the right programs and attitude can achieve.

oh tw...havent you heard no one follows basketball !! ( they play it..just dont watch it..lol )

[Einstein 1]

When I was at the Dome on Friday I was actually quite surprised by the number of Africans I saw among the crowd. I've often wondered how immigrants feel about aussie rules, or if they're more inclined towards supporting soccer or basketball, but it's great to see they're taking to the game.

I used to live in the inner city, and when I would pass the housing comission buildings in the inner west, I would often see African kids playing kick to kick. I always thought to myself, "Well, there's the future." They've got the ability and plenty of it.

[Cards13 9,117]

When I was at the Dome on Friday I was actually quite surprised by the number of Africans I saw among the crowd. I've often wondered how immigrants feel about aussie rules, or if they're more inclined towards supporting soccer or basketball, but it's great to see they're taking to the game.

An area MFC should be targetting for future members. I would like to see Heartland go further as it develops over the next few years.

[Doggo 32]

Very nice article about the direction footy will be taking over the next couple of decades. I remember playing against Glen Eira in under-17's, a few years ago now, playing against a pretty good, cohesive young African midfield group. They definitely have the athleticism to make it, its just a matter of time before we start seeing guys like Daw playing at the highest level.

I've seen Majak Daw play for the Jets once last year (i think he only played 2 games for them last season), and he certainly has the right build and athleticism to make it in AFL. Nice leap and good speed, and a big frame. Similarly built to Naitanui- good scope for growth. His kicking didn't look too bad either, a sign that he's been well coached in the basics. Although he's still learning the game and at times found it difficult to get involved in the play. But he looked capable of doing some amazing things, and took one very nice pack mark that i'll always remember.

Apparently has been a regular for the Jets in '09, and is more than likely to get rookied, because of his x-factor. Whichever club he goes to will find themselves with a new African cult hero, and lots of new supporters/members from the Sudanese community.