Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

KwaZulu-Natal's Absa Premiership outfit Thanda Royal Zulu have signed an indefinite working collaboration with English Premier League club Manchester City in Asia, it was announced this week.

Club chairman Johan Glennmore said the agreement focused on the "sharing" of knowledge and expertise between the two teams. He said there is no time frame on their relationship, which is intended to be considered as a process of training and learning rather than a fixed contract.

"We are proud to have signed a cooperation agreement with one of the world's best football clubs. The partnership is committed to the development of young players at grassroots level. This will take the form of coaching exchanges and workshops, player training academies and rehabilitation, as well as youth tournaments," said Glennmore.

He said the cooperation was part of their efforts to develop football in South Africa on many levels.

Manchester City's chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: "This is an extremely exciting time for Manchester City both on and off the pitch.

"We are delighted to have partnered with Thanda Royal Zulu. Like ourselves, Thanda have developed very strong ties within the community they serve and we are looking to develop a programme of activities which reflect this.

"Joining forces with Thanda enables us to work on a variety of football and commercial initiatives and raises the international profile of Manchester City Football Club."

Thanda Royal Zulu are also part of a community upliftment programme, with one objective being to support and cultivate role models for the youth of KwaZulu-Natal