Barker hails City partnership

THE partnership between Mpumalanga Black Aces and Manchester City School of Football could produce future Bafana stars.

This is a firm belief of Aces coach Clive Barker, who is equally excited about the exchange programme between his club and City's Academy.

The two parties have a three-year agreement that was formed in 2013, and hope to extend their relationship for many years to come in terms of the player and coach development programmes.

There was excitement in the Aces camp following the return of their Under-13 Academy and coaches from the Manchester City Academy in England two weeks ago, where they underwent high-intensity coaching and mentoring. Because of the huge success of the programme last year, it has now been extended from three to six days and will see two three-day clinics taking place this time.

It is Aces' turn to host City's Academy team, which arrived in the country this week. The programme has been running from Monday and will end on Sunday.

"I was pleased to see quality coaches working with our junior teams," said Barker. "There is no doubt in my mind that one day we will produce future Bafana stars. I saw them going through their paces and I was impressed with what I saw. This augurs well for the future of the team."

Former Aces legend Dumisa Ngobe has been assigned to select a group of highly talented Under-15 and Under-17 players from the greater eMalahleni region to join the coaching clinics.

"I am thrilled that we have this amazing opportunity to help develop young South African players," said Aces co- chairman and CEO Mario Morfou.

"Through this programme, we hope to nurture and give our players the skills to become world-class players," he said.