Italian football giants to invest in local talent
It is of no good to be a soccer star but be yet be nothing, education is a right not a privilege, said Ivor Hoff Chief Director of Sport and Recreation in Gauteng, during a visit by Italian soccer giants in 3 Square Stadium Alexandra.
Italian football giants, AS Roma, want to invest in Alex football by opening an academy that will fine-tune soccer talent in the township.
Gauteng chief director of Sport and Recreation, Ivor Hoff, said the nitty-gritty of the academy which would also teach players life skills, would be finalised in November this year.
AS Roma held coaching clinics for coaches and players in Alexandra as part of their tour of South Africa. They brought some of their best talent, including retired former goalkeeper Claudio Bozzini, to help with the clinics and technical skills development of local players.
The visit by the club did not only focus on football skills.
Bozzini said, “We understand that not everyone will be a footballer, that’s why we also want to teach them life skills that will help them beyond football.”
Former footballers who were in attendance at the clinic included former Kaizer Chiefs star, Frank Makua, Steve Lekoelea and goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.
Baloyi, who is a son of Alexandra said, “It is crucial to understand that not all the kids we train are going to turn professional. We need to be able to help develop responsible citizens and it starts from here.
“I am also happy to see such initiatives coming to Alexandra. As I speak to you, there are a number of boys from Alex playing in the Premier Soccer League, and that gives us great pride and joy.”
The AS Roma academy will also see the best crop of local players and coaches getting an opportunity to visit the Italian club to hone their skills.
