FORMER Bafana Bafana midfielder Thomas Madigage has committed himself to contributing to the development of soccer in South Africa through his foundation.

Madigage will launch his TM8 Foundation, which will also offer bursaries and uniforms to needy children in South Africa, in December.

The name is a combination of his initials and jersey number at Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United, where he is employed as an assistant coach.

Speaking at the TM8 Inter Force Cup prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, Madigage said South Africa won't produce quality Bafana players if development is neglected.

"South Africa was successful during the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations because we had solid development programmes. We need to go back to the basics as a matter of urgency," he said.

"We are planning to be part of the football family through the foundation by conducting coaching clinics and creating opportunities for the talented ones to play in the bigger leagues.

"The foundation will also assist children who are doing well in their studies but do not have money to go to the universities and technical colleges. We will also be buying uniforms.

"The foundation will also come up with a campaign to encourage soccer players to study. The problem is that most of them dump their books for good once they get a professional contract. It's wrong."

Madigage is working closely with renowned administrator Jerry Warie, who added: "One of the things we want to do is to honour the players for their contribution.

"We plan to introduce an award where any players to reach the 100 league and cup matches milestone is honoured, like Doctor Khumalo who played 398 matches. Doctor could have gone over 400 matches if there was an incentive, now the guys retire prematurely because there is nothing to play for."

• SAPS beat Tshwane Metro Police 4-2 during the TM8 Inter Force Cup soccer final, while the Tshwane Department of Correctional Services beat SAPS 21-19 in netball.