Valodia, the young analyst behind SA U20 Afcon glory

Introducing the young performance analyst Yardaan Valodia, who played a pivotal role in guiding the two SA men’s junior national teams to qualify for their respective Fifa World Cups later in the year, takes us through his journey and how a life-threatening injury led him to his destiny.

- By Siyasanga Monoalibe

Valodia (20) was part of the U17s African Cup of Nations back-room staff and U20s, with the latter going all the way to be crowned African champions in Egypt recently.

Born and bred in Johannesburg, Valodia started his football journey eight years ago as a player at Stars of Africa Academy, owned by former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Farouk Khan, even though he had cut his playing time short due to an injury that almost cost him his life.