Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Shuaibu Amodu, a top Nigerian coach, believes the ongoing massive inflow of money into the South African Premiership is a step in the right direction for the growth of the game.

Amodu is a former coach of Orlando Pirates, who has since been given the task of guiding Nigeria to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

"There is a lot of improvement in South African football since I left. There are many youngsters who are doing well," said Amodu.

"I still follow South African football, watching the midweek and weekend matches. It is crunch time now, the games are so much unpredictable.

"We have seen a lot of money being pumped into your football, which is very good for the growth of the sport on the continent.

"We need more money so that our leagues can become more competitive, that will also help to pay our players good salaries."

Asked to comment on his former team, Amodu said: "Pirates are still a great team, but now full of vibrant youngsters.

"I enjoyed my stay at Pirates, but I will be lying if I say I don't miss the atmosphere there, especially the supporters. I still think about all the players who were part of that team," said Amodu, who was brought to South Africa by Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza.

The players who were in Amodu's team included Dumisani Ngobe, Gavin Lane, Andries Sebola, Willem Jackson and John Moeti."