KaBokweni Future Stars Academy nurtures the next generation
What started as a dream among three friends has grown into the KaBokweni Future Stars Academy, providing football opportunities for more than 60 boys and girls.
What began as a simple dream among three friends has grown into one of the township’s most promising community football academies, providing opportunities for more than 60 boys and girls to develop their talents both on and off the field.
The KaBokweni Future Stars Academy was established in 2021 by Scelo Banda, together with Thabo Gama and the Theledi brothers. Their initial goal was to build a competitive football team capable of participating in local tournaments.
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As the project developed, Banda envisioned something bigger than tournament football. He encouraged the group to focus on league football while creating a structured academy that would nurture young talent and compete for promotion through the local football ranks.
“We wanted to build more than just a team. Our vision was to create a platform where young boys and girls could develop their football talent, gain discipline, and eventually compete at a higher level,” he said.
Over time, the academy experienced its share of challenges. Financial constraints saw some of the founding members step away from the project, while co-founder Thabo Gama later relocated, leaving Banda to continue leading the academy as its sole owner.
Despite the setbacks, Banda remained committed to the vision.
“There were times when it was difficult to keep the academy going, but giving up was never an option because the children depend on this programme. Every training session is another opportunity to change a young person’s future,” he said.
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The KaBokweni Future Stars Academy is home to more than 60 boys and girls who participate in regular training sessions and competitive football. The academy focuses not only on developing football skills but also on promoting discipline, teamwork, respect, and healthy lifestyles.
The academy has steadily progressed from competing in local tournaments to participating in league football, reflecting its long-term ambition to create pathways for talented young players to reach higher levels of the game. The club has featured in the SAFA Ehlanzeni Hollywoodbets Regional League, demonstrating its growth since its establishment.
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Banda believes the academy’s greatest achievement is not measured by trophies alone, but by the positive impact it continues to have on the youth of KaBokweni.
“Our dream is to see our players earn opportunities in professional clubs, represent their communities with pride, and become responsible citizens,” he said.
