Corinthians Football Club (FC) player Christos Retsos has signed a professional contract with the Greek Premier League team Panionios FC, recently.
“We are so excited for him, I remember him as a five-year-old running around with a ball at Corinthians and we have watched him develop into a determined and talented footballer,” said Lucas Ioannides, chairperson of Corinthians FC.
Restos started playing for Corinthians FC from u-6 in 2005.
Ioannides said this achievement proves the coaching methods work at Corinthians FC when combined with a hungry and determined young player with full support from parents.
“I would like him to be an inspiration to all young players in the area who have a dream to play professional football,” said Ioannides.
The Corinthians FC development structure includes collaboration with Tonay Diaz and Black Aces Academy.
“This collaboration is a proven recipe for player development and have now produced so many professionals playing all over the world,” said Ioannides.
Thabo Nodada, Judas Moseamedi, Aubrey Modiba and Shaun Mogali are all currently playing in the Premier Soccer League.
They have all been called in for the Bafana Bafana squad previously.
“Another player we are immensely proud of who now plays in Germany is Bradley Cross who has recently also been named as the captain of the Schulke u-19 squad in Germany,” said Ioannides.
Other Corinthians FC and Black Aces players include Bontle Molefe signing a professional contract with Kaizer Chiefs and Alexi Apollonatos who signed a professional contract with Orlando Pirates.
SA u-17 captain Costi Christodoulou, Junior Nare, Bryn Deeley, James McFarlane, and Keegan Mitchel have all played at Corinthians FC development structures and have also represented the national team at u-17 and u-20 level.
“It is really satisfying to have helped so many players from our area reach their dreams.
“Corinthians FC, together with Mario and George Morfou of Black Aces, put together a long-term development programme, which began in 2009 and it has produced brilliant results.
“We have proven what can be done with the right structures in place, support from our Easterns Local Football Association and the parents of these children,” said Ioannides.
Corinthians FC registration day will take place on February 1 at 9am to 11am at the Greek Sporting Club, 7 Civin Street, Senderwood.
The club will also be celebrating its 62nd birthday this year.
For more information call Theo Schunke on 082 312 9833.
