Hertha BSC's Top Talent Strategy Shines Bright
Last week's U23 match against Everton's U21s featured two standouts: Boris Mamuzah Lum (16) and Jelani Ndi (16). Both are rising stars, having turned 16 mere months ago, showcasing that Hertha BSC's youth program is producing young talent at a rapid pace.
The source of this success is an innovative strategy by Hertha BSC's academy director, Zecke Neuendorf (48), focusing on binding top talents to the club at a younger age than usual. By doing so, Hertha hopes to stay ahead in Berlin's competitive football scene, where rivals such as Union Berlin and Bundesliga neighbors Leipzig and Wolfsburg are constantly scouting for fresh talent.
Two Future Stars: Boris Mamuzah Lum and Jelani Ndi
Jelani Ndi (16) has been making waves playing as a left winger for Hertha's U17 team. He boasts impressive stats: 6 goals and 6 assists in 13 games. His blazing speed, pinpoint crosses, and strong finishing abilities have earned him a contract with Hertha until 2025, paving the way for a professional deal once he turns 18.
Boris Mamuzah Lum (16), the other rising star, has shown exceptional talent at defensive midfield. Vital to controlling and opening up the game, his intelligence acquires him many admirers. Recently, Mamuzah Lum featured in the U19 team during their top match against RB Leipzig (2:1), showing no signs of slowing down.
Long-Term Development Contracts
The following top talents have also received development contracts, which allow for an eventual professional contract upon turning 18: Egor Greber (16) and Kian Todorovic (16).
Driven by heralded speed and strength in tackles, Greber (16) is a German U17 international central defender. Lastly, Todorovic (16) exhibits an exceptional touch with good passing skills, and his father's Serbian/Turkish background has further fueled his development.
Developing Prodigies: Patrice Covic
Patrice Covic (16), son of Hertha veteran Ante Covic (48, U16 coach), is Hertha BSC's U17 captain and a promising midfielder. Recently, he scored two goals during Croatia's U17 qualifiers and intends to lend his talents to the professional ranks in the near future.
A New Era of Berlin Football
Hertha is investing in homegrown talent like never before, committed to retaining these players as they mature. In popularity and cost-effectiveness, this approach has proven to be a boon for the club.
Notable players from Hertha BSC's academy, such as Marten Winkler, Marton and Bence Dardai, Linus Gechter, Pascal Klemens, Derry Scherhant, Ibrahim Maza, and Robert Kwasigroch, have already achieved significant strides in their professional careers. Moreover, Hertha BSC looks to continue this momentum by promoting more young players from their U23, U19, and U17 ranks.
References
[1] Bild (n.d.). . Retrieved November 21, 2023, from
[2] International Soccer Academy (n.d.). . Retrieved November 21, 2023, from
[3] Hertha BSC (n.d.). . Retrieved November 21, 2023, from
