Total Football Excellence and German giants host a soccer clinic for aspiring young stars

Total Football Excellence technical director David Ribeiro believes the soccer clinic provided both players and coaches with valuable lessons.

May 22, 2023

Sphiwe Masilela 1 minute read

Sebastian Schächter encourages payers Daniel Moyo (yello bip) to press Thabo Likando on the ball while Lathitha Mqoboli watches. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Waterfall City-based Total Football Excellence (TFE) Academy and Germany’s Arminia Bielefeld’s partnership continues to bridge the gap between fully developed and developing players.

They do this by hosting various soccer workshops and recently held a soccer clinic to help improve aspiring footballers.
Coach Sebastian Schächter took TFE’s U17 and U19 players through tough drills.

German coach Sebastian Schächter and Delron Buckley during the theory session. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Schächter was accompanied by former Bafana Bafana winger and legend Delron Buckley who is Bieldfeld’s Ambassador. Bieledeld’s U17 coach, Tom Schuet, was also in attendance.

Over 80 coaches from various local football associations, including Midrand Local Football Association’s chairperson Sthemebiso Sithole were in attendance.

The session on May 9 started with the theory work at Curro Castle Pre School.

Various coaches from different football associations in attendance. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

After the theory, the coaches then joined TFE players at Curro Waterfall Preparatory and High School.

It was an intense training session that included various drills including a 3 vs 3 session on a small field and how to counter-press the opponents.

TFE technical director David Ribeiro said it was important for them to host the workshop for players to know the intensity of playing abroad.

TFE players get a 10-push-up punishment during the practical session of the soccer clinic. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“The coaches shared their expertise and provided valuable tips on coaching techniques to coaches, and development to the players. This is a unique opportunity for players and coaches alike to gain insight into development pathway, club methodologies and the experience of one of Germany’s top football clubs,” said Ribeiro.

Schächter said South African players needed to be quick and apply the right techniques to be ahead of others.

Coach Sebastian Schächter with the ball to take players through their paces. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“Sometimes players take too many touches before finishing or scoring. But international players always know that one touch too many can ruin their chances of scoring and that’s why we want to teach these players. Being quick always sets you apart. It’s easy to catch the eyes of scouts if you take quick decisions in a split second,” said Schächter.

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