Leandra’s international soccer star opens academy
Wesley Ntshangase saw a need to develop young soccer players in the community where he grew up.
International footballer Wesley Ntshangase (29) launched his Leandra I Promise Soccer Academy at the Leandra Civic Centre on February 19. The academy accepts boys aged eight to 15 and has 100 young players enrolled.
According to Ntshangase, he started the academy last December, and it was well received by community members, who eagerly registered their children.
Ntshangase’s football career began with local Premier Soccer League teams. He started at the Orlando Pirates Academy and later trained with Mamelodi Sundowns FC. It was there an overseas agent who had watched him train scouted him.
His agent first signed him to the Greek club Levadiakos FC, where he played for two years before moving to Sweden to join Assyriska FF for another two years. He then moved to Türkiye, where he signed with Kayserispor.
He played in Türkiye for six years until his contract ended, after which he returned home to start his soccer academy.
“My overseas football career is not over. I will go back soon but want to leave the academy running,” said Ntshangase.
“This was my dream while I was overseas – to open an academy back home to assist children with dreams of becoming soccer stars. I am a product of a soccer academy, so I saw a need to develop young soccer players in the community where I grew up.
“I want to teach these kids that they can earn a living using their soccer talents. We also teach them football skills and Bible studies.”
Ntshangase added that the academy also assists the children with their schoolwork.
He said he wants to continue his football career overseas because of the valuable contacts he established there, which will help him grow his academy and create more opportunities for young players.
ALSO READ: Sasol puts up a fight against the Wolves
ALSO READ: Sasol 1-krieketspan byt in die stof en Sasol 2 klop Ermelo
