"We have never really, outside of Ireland, done anything in any concerted way to try to target international talent. It is starting now really. We are going to ramp things up with the World 18. We have an absolute intent to get international talent into the competition." David Matthews, General Manager - AFL Game Development

For Durban Teenager Chesney Botha, his Australian odyssey is just about to end. But the AFL's general manager of international talent, David Matthews, is adamant that the AFL's South African odyssey is only just beginning.

Botha, the son of a fine domestic rugby union player Carl, and the younger brother of Durban Sharks Currie Cup player Brendon, had initially been reluctant to try AFL after being identified by scouts as an elite talent earlier this year.

But after being encouraged by his parents, he spent a week with 30 of Australia's best young footballers under coaches Jason McCartney, Matthew Lloyd, Michael O'Loughlin and Tom Harley at the AIS before training with West Coast. He was one of four young South Africans brought to Australia.

Fremantle, Carlton and North Melbourne have also played host to players this week. Botha admits initially considering AFL players as softies or even pansies before a brutal tackle from exciting Eastern States teenager Majak Daw at the AIS. He now believed the game depended on "technique and the size of your heart. "

He admits to still struggling with kicking but believes mastering handball and marking are within his reach.

"At first I thought it was quite a softies game," he said after training with the Eagles yesterday. "But since I have been watching more footage and watching the guys train, it is quite intense. I like to be rough and get hurt so I enjoy it."

Botha has not decided whether to pursue Aussie Rules or return to rugby when he heads home next week.

"Hopefully I get the opportunity to come back," he said. "I know that there are teams going to South Africa, one in January and one in April which is the AIS team. We are playing against them and if I can perform, there may be the opportunity for me to come over again.

"I would like to continue because it helps in all aspects as well as in rugby. The marking - in rugby you also jump to catch a ball, so either way it is helping me."

Matthews expects at least one of the four teenagers to seek football opportunities in Australia in 2010. All will be leading candidates to play in a World 18 that will take part in the national under-16 titles in western Sydney in July. Matthews said football in South Africa continued to boom with about 15,000 participants and a target of 35,000 within two years.

The program was aimed at growing participation and spotting elite talent. "We have never really, outside of Ireland, done anything in any concerted way to try to target international talent," he said. "It is starting now really. We are going to ramp things up with the World 18. We have an absolute intent to get international talent into the competition."

Article courtesy of Mark Duffield, West Australian