Durban player to play for Orlando Pirates’ Development Team
The Shield Sbonisi’Diski platform was created to give local football players an opportunity to showcase their skills, gain exposure and harness young football talent in South Africa.
The 20-year-old Ryan Adams from Durban was crowned the champion of the Shield Sbonisi’Diski campaign and received the life-changing opportunity of a one-year contract to join the Orlando Pirates Development team.
Following over 600 players from all over South Africa participating to earn their spot in the Shield Sbonisi’Diski final 3 and train with Chelsea FC in London, the winner was announced on September 18, at the Rand Stadium, home of Orlando Pirates FC.
Orlando Pirates FC has a rich history and heritage in South African football and this will mark the start of a bright future in football for the aspiring player and Adams will be following in the footsteps of some of the greatest players to have ever played for Orlando Pirates FC such as Mark Fish, Jerry Sikhosana and the recently promoted Augustine Mahlonoko.
Returning from Chelsea in London, the top three players, Adams, Thulo Thibatsi from Protea Glen and last year’s top three finalist, Joshua Jerome Roman from Cape Town took part in a week-long training experience with Chelsea FC which saw them being exposed to state-of-the-art training facilities, training sessions and experiences to equip players with a solid understanding of what it takes to be a professional player.
“We looked at the payer that fits all the criteria of selection. Ryan for me is mentally tough, from the first day I saw him play, I could tell that he is going to make it to the top. For me he stood out, he has all the aspects needed in football,” said Shield Sbonisi’ Diski head coach.
“Thulo and Joshua are also good players and they are definitely going to make it in the football industry, obviously with the help from myself and other coaches,” he added.
The players were selected from a pool of 25 who had undergone an intense training programme at the High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria, facilitated by Chelsea FC coaches, Orlando Pirates MDC and Shield Coaches.
At these trials the players were taken through various technical skills, team playing techniques on the field as well as off the field training, which comprised of a media training facilitated by Soccer Legend Mark Fish.
“We are extremely proud with the success of the campaign this year and we will continue to work hard to grow the platform and help develop young ambitious football players in South Africa,” said Gareth Marshall, Senior Brand Manager Shield South Africa.
The partnership with Orlando Pirates FC is a sustainable commitment from the Shield Sbonisi’Diski campaign, unearthing football talent across South Africa and contributing to local football development.
“The Shield Sbonisi’Diski platform was created to give local football players an opportunity to showcase their skills, gain exposure and harness young football talent in South Africa. We are proud to have partnered with Shield to bring this initiative to life,” said Orlando Pirates FC spokesperson Thandi Merafe.
Adams will start training with the Orlando Pirates FC development team later this year.
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