Swedish soccer scout visits Leandra academy with community development plans
Ninous Toma plans to collaborate with the I Promise Football Academy, a youth development initiative founded by Leandra-born international footballer Wesley Ntshangase.
Swedish international football scout Ninous Toma is in SA to collaborate with the I Promise Football Academy. The academy is a youth development initiative founded by Leandra-born international footballer Wesley Ntshangase, who continues to pursue his professional career in Europe.
Speaking to the Ridge Times, Toma was enthusiastic about bringing his global development experience to the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), where he believes a major transformation opportunity exists.
Toma described himself as a “versatile problem solver” with years of experience in modern infrastructure development, community upliftment, and sustainable planning across several regions worldwide.
“When I first met Ntshangase 10 years ago during his trial with the Assyriska FF, I had no idea our relationship would lead us to SA. Today, the GMM stands before one of the greatest opportunities I have ever seen,” Toma said.
He explained that his past work includes major urban development projects, ranging from housing, roads, and bridges to schools, smart education systems, green technologies, safety-oriented structures, and future-focused urban planning.
“The results have always been the same: Thousands of jobs created, crime reduced, and communities strengthened with more security and hope.
“I’ve seen this in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and several African countries. The same success can be achieved here,” he added.
Toma visited SA seven years ago, met former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba, and conducted an extensive study on the Govan Mbeki region.
After returning with Ntshangase for a follow-up assessment, he believes more strongly than ever that the municipality is positioned for a serious developmental breakthrough.
“The area where Ntshangase grew up has all the conditions to become a model for regional development, with the right expertise, vision and partnerships,” he said.
Toma highlighted the potential to create jobs, improve infrastructure, strengthen the education system, and establish long-term sustainable community development. He also noted that his international sports network forms a crucial part of these plans.
Among those he has supported is Egyptian national team star Omar Marmoush, who he says “became a global example of what the right support can accomplish”.
Toma now aims to apply that experience in the GMM by helping to establish multiple sports academies. One of these, the I Promise Football School, already operates.
“These academies will not only identify future football stars but also equip young people with the tools to build strong and successful lives,” he said.
Toma emphasised that the municipality could become one of his next major international development projects.
“For me, it is clear that the GMM can be elevated socially, economically, technologically and through sports. The opportunity here is historic,” he concluded.
