Richard Nkosi
Richard Nkosi
Hundreds of aspiring young soccer players from primary schools around Barberton in Mpumalanga will benefit from the establishment of the Tenteleni Football Academy.
The initiative is the brainchild of former Ria Stars and Dynamos defender Mduduzi "Iron" Ntiwane in collaboration with his former coach at amateur level, Bezzy Hlophe.
They said they will do their final selection of players for the academy tomorrow when all six primary schools falling under the Barberton area battle it out at Bouwer Park from 9am.
Ntiwane, who was born in the area, said: "The academy has always been my ambition since I retired as professional player. My aim is to identify talent at the lower level in the area and create a better future for these talented youngsters through soccer."
Ntiwane said football has become a real industry and lots of people are making money from it. But it is not what he wants.
"My vision is to unearth new stars to make it big in professional leagues as there is no one promoting and coaching these youngsters. They are talented but they end up not fulfilling their dreams."
Tomorrow's fixtures: Barberton Primary School v Mountain View (8:30am); Mhola Primary v Ekucathuzeni (9:30am); Amon Nkosi v Fairview (10:30); Ngwane v Sikhutsele (11:30).
Academy boost for Barberton
Richard Nkosi
Richard Nkosi
Hundreds of aspiring young soccer players from primary schools around Barberton in Mpumalanga will benefit from the establishment of the Tenteleni Football Academy.
The initiative is the brainchild of former Ria Stars and Dynamos defender Mduduzi "Iron" Ntiwane in collaboration with his former coach at amateur level, Bezzy Hlophe.
They said they will do their final selection of players for the academy tomorrow when all six primary schools falling under the Barberton area battle it out at Bouwer Park from 9am.
Ntiwane, who was born in the area, said: "The academy has always been my ambition since I retired as professional player. My aim is to identify talent at the lower level in the area and create a better future for these talented youngsters through soccer."
Ntiwane said football has become a real industry and lots of people are making money from it. But it is not what he wants.
"My vision is to unearth new stars to make it big in professional leagues as there is no one promoting and coaching these youngsters. They are talented but they end up not fulfilling their dreams."
Tomorrow's fixtures: Barberton Primary School v Mountain View (8:30am); Mhola Primary v Ekucathuzeni (9:30am); Amon Nkosi v Fairview (10:30); Ngwane v Sikhutsele (11:30).
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