Soccer coach a hero to community
Former professional soccer star quits to develop youth.
A member of the Toekomsrus community has identified one of the area’s true heroes.
Lester Fritz told the Herald about Clayton von Meullen, 33, who he thinks is a true hero in the community.
Clayton is the head coach of the Toekomsrus Soccer Club and Sporting Football Club. Lester grew up with him and together, they played amateur soccer. “Even as a child in primary school, I know he had a special talent,” Lester said.
Clayton got the opportunity to play for Wescolts Football Club in Bosmont which Lester describes as being one of the best developmental leagues in Gauteng. Later Clayton played professionally for Total Park Kaizer Chiefs Development team, Umatata Bush Bucks, African Wanderers and Mabopane Young Masters.
In 2009 he stopped playing professional soccer to focus on developing youth in his community. Clayton has since been in charge of coaching Aston Villa Toekomsrus who were promoted to the Randfontein and Castle Leagues.
While in charge of Toekies United, he took the team through to the Steven Pienaar annual tournament in Westbury.
Later he started his own team; Sporting FC who competed in big tournaments in the province. The team is now affiliated with the Bosmont League. The senior team came third in the league and the under 17s won the league and ended second in the Carriem Dhasey Challenge.
“This was history. A junior team has not reached the final of the Carriem Dhasey Challenge in 50 years,” Lester said.
“With all the past success, Clayton remains focused on developing the youth. His vision is to put Toekies back on the football map by getting his teams to compete in more recognised leagues with the end goal of getting his players exposure to be selected for national representation,” Lester explained.
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