Future Players Talent Search winners off to Spain

Four young South African footballers, plus a Future Coach, will embark on a trip of a lifetime to Spain in October. The four players are: Twins Nkanyiso and Khanyezi Maphosa (16) from Nirvana Secondary School, Sahail Moosa (16) from Al-Aqsa School, and Zara Wilkinson (16) from Victory House Private School in Discovery.

They were identified through the Future Players Talent Search and were invited to join LaLiga in Barcelona.

In addition to the Future Players selectees, 2018’s Future Coach winner, Andile Zulu, who is a coach of Soweto’s White City Spurs, will accompany the group to Barcelona to hone his skills.

Speaking at the pre-trip briefing at Soweto Nike Centre in Pimville on Thursday Antonio Barradas, Africa Director for LaLiga, said the winners will get the chance to train with LaLiga clubs.

“Football is central to the Spanish way of life, with LaLiga forming an important part of this culture. The winners will get the chance to train with LaLiga clubs and it’s our hope that this helps them in both their personal and career development,” said Barradas.

“Part of the reason that we as LaLiga continue to be part of Future Champions is because of our ongoing commitment to help develop football from a grassroots level. It’s been a pleasure to once again be involved in this initiative and we wish the winners all the best during their travels.”

The Future Players Talent Search has seen some notable successes through the years. Banyana Banyana star Refiloe Jane, who was identified in 2009, has been to two Olympic Games and recently signed a contract with Australian side Canberra United.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.