History of AFA
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The Amathole Football Academy is a non-profit organisation based in Mofolo South, Soweto. It was established in September of 2005 by the Director, Stuart Miller, with the first intake being selected from trials in January 2006. The cow has become and continues to be an important cultural symbol in Africa. With this in mind we chose Amathole, which means 'Young Bulls' in isiZulu, and as such have become 'The Young Bulls of Soweto'.
The aim of Amathole is to develop both future stars within South African football and drive the development of professionalism within the industry from the grassroots to the upper echelons of administration. While the Academy is still in its infancy, it has already made some major progress in the following areas:
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Proud members of the Amathole Football Academy for the 2007 season
The academy intends providing opportunities to players who lack the resources, within an environment of professionalism and discipline. It is envisaged that both the interest and pride in soccer from a competitive and a recreational perspective will develop into community pride and enjoyment. This will be achieved by registering competitive teams from the u15 to u21 age groups in formal teams, which take part in regional, district and national leagues.
At present our funding is concentrated on providing the resources for training towards achieving the necessary results for advancement to the district leagues. Our focus is currently in Jabavu, White City, Soweto and once established, will expand to include a women’s academy and into other areas with similar needs.
The Amathole Football Academy held its inaugural trials for the u15 and u17 team selections on the 7th and 14th January 2006. Over 160 players attended the trials, representing 16 teams and 12 coaches from clubs located within the surrounding areas of Jabavu. Over the 2 days the numbers were reduced to 84, and then to a final total of 21 u15’s and 16 u17’s selected for a probation period prior to the start of the season.
The Coach, Brian 'Zero Johnson' Madune, and players from the inaugural trials selected to represent the Academy for the 2006 season
The AFA's inaugural 2006 season presented the organisation with many opportunities to grow and learn. The development of young talent in South Africa and indeed in many parts of the world is a difficult process with many eroding influences detracting from the objectives of the AFA and other similar organisations. 2007 holds new challenges and approaches to a burgeoning and exciting new programme in sport development in South Africa. Lessons from 2006, advice from mentor organisations and the development of new partnerships all combine to strengthen the effectiveness of the AFA in achieving its developmental objectives.
2007 has seen the newly sponsored MPAFA grow exponentially to include membership from satellite clubs from Soweto, Orange Farm and Piet Retief. In Soweto Ipswich FC and Chacklas Development FC have been most active in their involvement, whilst Piet Retief FC, Orange Farm FC and Barcelona FC have started the development process with the MPAFA. The organisation has now grown to over 300 youth and female players, 18 administrative volunteers and 9 coaching volunteers.