South African football legend Mark Williams has joined local football club The Football Institute (TFI).

Following his partnership with the club, TFI has been renamed the Mark Williams Kings – TFI JHB.

Williams said he partnered with the club at the end of August.

Best known for his national and international football career, Williams brings his skills, knowledge, expertise and experience to grassroots football.

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Williams has played for numerous international teams, as well as South Africa’s national squad, Bafana Bafana.

Born in Cape Town, Williams is best remembered for scoring both goals in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, giving South Africa its first continental title.

Notable national and international clubs he has played for include Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Hellenic FC, Cape Town Spurs, RWD Molenbeek (Belgium), Wolverhampton Wanderers (England), Corinthians (Brazil), Kaizer Chiefs, and several teams in China and Brunei.

“When I met the chairperson of the club, Zane, we had a discussion, and he explained to me what the club is all about and asked if I would like to come on board and become one of the shareholders,” said Williams.

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“Soon after, I came to the club and met about 100 of the club’s players.

“That night was very exciting. I think the players were more excited than I was.

“I introduced myself, and the children couldn’t believe it. The parents were extremely supportive and welcomed me with open arms.”

Williams said development football clubs were where diamonds were found.

“I hope that in a few years, we will be able to tell the story of players who have grown and developed into real stars.”
Williams said he was pleasantly surprised when he first joined the Edenvale club.

“The way TFI is run is on another level, and a good level.

“Players can come and just work their way upwards.”

Williams, who has also written an autobiography, From Gangster to Soccer Legend, explained that the book tells the story of a child who had a vision and achieved it through hard work.

He said he hoped to achieve something similar at the club.

Speaking about his own passion for football, Williams said it began when he was a child growing up in Cape Town.

“What’s important to remember is that in Cape Town, there are a lot of drugs, gangsterism and negativity.”

He said excelling in football began as a dream for him.

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“When you see that vision, you need to work towards it, but it can be very difficult. You need to be focused and dedicated.”
Williams said he had known from a very young age that school was not for him.

“When I was 11 years old, my dad gave me a soccer ball, and I fell in love with that ball.

“Since then, I never looked back. That ball gave me life. It gave me a life that very few can imagine and gave me access to the world.”

Through his involvement in grassroots football, Williams hopes to give younger players those same opportunities.

“Focusing on the basics and improving technical skills will help strengthen the foundations of their football careers.”

Williams said he would also provide assessment reports to players and their parents on their progress, informing them where they needed to improve and practise more.

Since joining TFI, Williams has introduced a Hollywoodbets team to encourage players to develop and improve their skills so that they can be selected for the team.“It gives players something to work towards and motivates them to become better players.”

Looking to the future of the club, Williams said he hoped to visit schools in the surrounding area to attract more female players.
He said it was vital to get more women involved in the sport.

“Often, in many sports, the talent of female athletes is overlooked.”

Williams said he would also like to see the club expand into other regions beyond Ekurhuleni.

Offering advice to football players, Williams reminded them to stay focused, disciplined and dedicated.

“At times, you might lose a game, but that’s all right. What is most important is going onto the field with a winning mentality.”
Williams encouraged those interested in joining the club to visit its website for more information.