NIKE GIVES CAPE TOWN’S FOOTBALL HOPEFULS ANOTHER CHANCE TO GET NOTICED
Nike gives Cape Town’s football hopefuls another opportunity with ‘The Chance’
Nike returns to Cape Town in search of the best young footballers to represent South Africa at the Nike Academy trials in the United Kingdom
Nike’s youth football programme, The Chance, is a global search for talented footballers to get an opportunity to join the Nike Academy, a high performance training programme, supported by the English Premier League, in the United Kingdom.
Locally, Nike set out its search for South Africa’s top young guns in August, with trials already conducted in Johannesburg, and Cape Town. However, the interest from youngsters in Cape Town has increased, and Nike will host a second round of trials for those players who did not get a chance to register in August.
Already more than 300 hopefuls aged 16 and 17 years joined The Chance South Africa trials with football legends-turned-pro-coaches Shaun Bartlett, Eric Tinkler and Tebogo Moloi heading up the scouting.
Nike will be rolling out their final leg of the trials in Durban at the end of September. The player’s who make the grade and get noticed during the regional trials, will be called back for the final trial in Johannesburg. Only four South African players have the chance to slot into the best 100 players from across 40 countries, to join Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at the UK trials in January 2011, to compete for one of eight international places in the Nike Academy. These eight will have all their expenses paid to live in the UK for a year starting in July 2011 and be a full time member of the Nike Academy.
As members of the Nike Academy, players become full-time participants at a residential training centre in England with access to elite coaches, nutritionists, psychologists and fitness conditioners, along with world class facilities to perform at the highest level.
Date: Sunday, 12 September 2010
Time: 8am until 4pm
Venue: Old Mutual Academy, Mutual Park, Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands
NIKE THE CHANCE – SOUTH AFRICA NOTICED 3
At the Chance trials, South Africa, hundreds of aspiring footballers had the opportunity to prove their ability to the watching scouts. (We have already had a look at Phathi Sacolo and Simanga Mthembu.)
Bongani Mthembu’s strength, tackling ability and willingness to run down the line makes him a tough defensive opponent and an attacking threat from the back.
To find out more about The Chance check out the feature TRW did here: or visit: http://go.nike.com/TheNoticed
NIKE THE CHANCE – SOUTH AFRICA NOTICED 2
At the Chance trials, South Africa, hundreds of aspiring footballers had the opportunity to prove their ability to the watching scouts. (We have already had a look at Phathi Sacolo here:)
When the competition is relentless as it was at the trials, it’s vital to keep a cool head to perform. Simanga Mthembu’s football brain and close control ensured he kept his.
To find out more about The Chance check out the feature TRW did here: or visit: http://go.nike.com/TheNoticed
TRW’S TRANSFER XI
With the transfer window now shut and the 25 man squads have all been handed in by the teams we thought we would take a look at some of the Premier League’s new arrivals.
There have been so many new recruits (especially at the likes of Manchester City) but we have chosen just 11 who think have the potential to really make an impact at their clubs.
Stipe Pletikosa
Tottenham Hotspur have brought in experienced Croatian goal-keeper Stipe Pletikosa on loan from Spartak Moscow. The 31 year old will provide good competition for Gomes and Cudicini. Pletikosa will join up with a Spurs team who already boast three Croatians in; Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka.
Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso joined Bolton Wanderers after having been part of Real Madrid since he was a kid. Well at just 19 you could say he is still a kid… The young defender can play left back or left wing. We could possibly have another Gareth Bale on our hands. The Spaniard likes to press forward and could add an exciting attacking dimension to Bolton.
Jerome Boateng
At TRW, we are big fans of Jerome’s half brother Kevin-Prince. Although KP saw his Portsmouth side get relegated last season, the midfielder’s form was impressive. Jerome had a good World Cup with Germany and now we hope to see his ability shine through in the Premier League just like his brother.
Laurent Koscielny
Arsene Wenger enjoys young French players and seems to have found another rising French star. (Perhaps he should take the job of French National coach.) Laurent Koscielny arrives at Arsenal with a real chance to impress. Two older French defenders were let go by Arsenal at the end of last season. William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre’s departures have paved the way for Koscielny to establish himself at the heart of Arsenal’s defense.
James Perch
James Perch is a name Premier League fans won’t be familiar with, but those avid League One fans will. Perch has played 190 games for Nottingham Forest and now gets his chance to impress at the highest level with Newcastle. Still just 24 years of age, Perch can play almost anywhere across the back and in midfield. He reminds us a little of John O’Shea. The question is whether or not he will hold down a spot in the starting 11 or be a bench-warming jack of all trades.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Another Newcastle recruit, Ben Arfa has promised a lot for a while now but has yet to really realize his potential. Ben Arfa made 60 appearances for both Lyon and Marseille. Now the young French winger has a chance to impress in the Premier League.
Raul Meireles
Liverpool have lost Xavi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the last two seasons. The purchase of Aquilani seems to have been deemed a failure so Reds fans will be hoping for some better performances from Raul Meireles. The Portuguese midfielder impressed at the World Cup playing in every match for Portugal. He could be the Gerrard complementing midfielder Liverpool have been looking for.
Rafael van der Vaart
We think that Harry Redknapp has pulled another rabbit out the bag. Just a few days ago Harry said he needed another Modric and we agreed. Well, we think he has got his man. The deadline day coup from Real Madrid came at a bargain price. Van der Vaart is a brilliant passer and technically gifted player. We look forward to seeing the impact he can make in the Premier League.
Jermaine Pennant
So this could be a little bit of a cheat. Pennant has been in the Premier League before. The ex-Arsenal and Liverpool winger has been in Spain playing with Real Zaragoza and now has an opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to be successful in the Premier League. Stoke have done some good business in the transfer window but Pennant is the one we are most excited about.
Asamoah Gyan
There are so many forwards we could have chosen in our Transfer XI but after his fine display at the World Cup, we couldn’t leave out Asamoah Gyan. Gyan is only 24 and has a bright and promising future ahead of him. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has done a lot of shopping in the attacking department and Gyan is the crown of his purchases. African stars are becoming more and more sought after and we think Gyan can have as big an impact as some of his fellow Africans such as Drogba and Essien.
Marouane Chamakh
Marouane Chamakh came to Arsenal on free transfer. What a bargain! The Moroccan forward was prolific for Bordeaux and has looked a real threat for Arsenal in the three Premier League games he has played. Robin van Persie is a brilliant footballer but Arsenal have suffered because of his injury problems. Chamakh has the potential to step into the Dutchman’s shoes and perhaps even become Arsenal’s number one striker.
NIKE THE CHANCE – SOUTH AFRICA NOTICED
At the Chance trials, South Africa, hundreds of aspiring footballers had the opportunity to prove their ability to the watching scouts.
Phathi Sacolo’s creativity and clever positional play consistently impressed and earned him the right to play at the final trial.
To find out more about The Chance check out the feature TRW did here: or visit: http://go.nike.com/TheNoticed
NIKE: INSIDE THE PRO
Nike offer you the opportunity to learn from the best and raise your game as they get Inside the Pro.
One Chance (Cristiano Ronaldo)
Taking the match-clinching penalty is an unforgiving task. Get Cristiano’s advice on scoring from the spot every time you step up.
The Team Player (Nani)
Victory is a team effort. Put your squad first and make your mark on the game, no matter what it takes.
Stay in front (Landon Donovan)
If you can outpace your opponents, you can outclass them throughout the full 90. Watch Landon discuss the importance endurance and speed play.
Street Schooling (Cristiano Ronaldo)
Wherever you’re from, wherever you play, build your game anywhere you can. Portugal’s fastest winger got started in the streets.
The Balance (Javier Mascherano)
Every team needs a player it can count on no matter how tough the battle. Be the rock for your team.
Train Your Way (Patrice Evra)
When it comes to working out, don’t spend your life in the gym. See how Patrice targets his training and make your sessions count.
Mind Control (Didier Drogba)
For Didier, a winning performance starts with indestructible self-belief. Find out why.
To find out more about Inside the Pro visits Nike’s website here:
NIKE ‘THE CHANCE’ – CAPE TOWN
Nike Continues Local Search of ‘The Chance’ for Talented Footballers
Nike visits Cape Town to search for undiscovered football talent to join the Nike Academy and play for a pro contract in the UK
Following the launch of The Chance with Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal FC, in Soweto in June, Nike will activate its second trial event on Sunday, 22 August at the Tableview Football Club, Cape Town.
Following the first round of successful trials in Johannesburg last week, Nike will host trials for 150 aspiring Cape Town footballers providing them with the opportunity to shine. Clubs and academies in Cape Town were invited to select their best young players to represent the region. Just five places are up for grabs and the footballers who display the most skill and football prowess on the day will be given the opportunity to progress to the final Elite Training programme and trials in September.
Ahead of ‘The Chance’ trials taking place on Sunday, Nike will also host an Elite Training Programme on Saturday at Royal Road, Maitland as well as a coach-to-coach skills programme. This falls in line with Nike’s sustained commitment to youth development by educating coaches in order to ensure continued development in the future.
Football legends Shaun Bartlett and Eric Tinkler, who are both involved in the coaching of Nike’s Elite Training proramme, will facilitate the scouting, along with support from renowned local coaches and former professional players. Bartlett started his professional career in Cape Town in a successful spell with Cape Town Spurs before leaving South Africa to pursue his career abroad where he featured prominently for clubs in the United States, Switzerland and England.
“Although this is an international competition, The Chance is also helping us identify talent we should consider to fast track in our development structures”, said Shaun Bartlett. “Programmes such as these being rolled out by Nike and our core team, demonstrates our commitment to unearthing talent to further boost football development in South Africa.”
Just under 300 footballers from Soweto and greater Johannesburg have already been presented with an opportunity to get scouted as they underwent trials in Johannesburg on Saturday 14 August at the Nike Football Training Centre and 11 footballers were short listed for the final Nike Elite Training Programme that will be held in September.
During the final Elite Training Programme and The Chance trials, only four footballers will be selected as part of the 100 players from around world for a final trial in England, where they will compete for one of eight international places in the Nike Academy. These eight will have all their expenses paid to live in the UK for a year starting in July 2011 and be a full time member of the Nike Academy.
The Nike Academy is a high performance training programme supported by the Premier League in England. Since the Academy’s start in 2009, eight players in the UK have received professional contracts.
As members of the Nike Academy, players become full-time participants at a residential training centre in England with access to elite coaches, nutritionists, psychologists and fitness conditioners, along with world class facilities to perform at the highest level.
FC BARCELONA CHAMPIONS OF THE MUPC 2010 WORLD FINALS
FC Barcelona were crowned Manchester United Premier Cup Champions of the World for the third time at Old Trafford today following an impressive 3:1 win over Mexico’s Pachuca FC on Saturday, 7 August 2010.
Barcelona took control early in the match, scoring their first goal after ten minutes – their second shortly before half time and their third mid-way through the second half. ”When their second goal went in- it was always going to be difficult to find a way back,” said Pachuca Coach Miguel Angel Gomez Leyv, “but I am so impressed by my boys. They performed well and adapted immediately to the developing situation on the field of play here at Old Trafford and continued to press Barcelona. When we scored it gave us new incentive, but at 3:1 down, it was unfortunately too late.”
Jubilant Barcelona Coach Victor Sanchez was happy to be repeating his 2007 MUPC experience with his team: “I am incredibly happy firstly that our boys played our normal fast-paced game keeping control of the ball and, secondly, that we are MUPC World Champions again. This title is for the whole team who made it possible. They really deserve it. Throughout every stage of the competition our plan was to play our own game as usual – and enjoy the experience. The boys have done everything we asked of them and represented their club with pride. My next goal is to help them develop their incredible potential and reach the FC Barcelona first team!”
Rio Ferdinand and Sir Bobby Charlton presided over the on-pitch presentations and Ferdinand added: “I played in many youth tournaments as a lad and I can honestly say, whatever age you are – the feeling is exactly the same. You work hard and reach the final in an important competition and, when you win, it is the best feeling in the world. Nothing can touch it!
“But both teams are so lucky to have this amazing opportunity to walk out through the tunnel onto the pitch and play at Old Trafford at such a young age. Win or lose, it really is the stuff dreams are made of!”
Sir Bobby Charlton continued to share the teams’ celebrations over at Manchester University’s Armitage Campus and enthused: “I’ve really enjoyed watching this competition over the years – and am always impressed that it is something special and something we get very right. I’d like to thank Nike for the opportunity to partner them in hosting this competition around the world.”
He continued to congratulate all twenty teams for a “magnificently high standard of football played in the spirit of “fair play”, particularly the talented young runners-up from Pachuca and the youngsters from FC Barcelona who “upheld the style and traditions of a famous club with honour.”
Paris Saint-Germain and Torino FC progressed through the tournament without receiving a single yellow card and shared the “Fair Play” award. The award for Top Scorer was also shared – by Newcastle United’s Campbell & Torres from Pachuca FC – with six goals apiece. The final award, for Tournament MVP as voted by the Coaches of the opposition sides was, once again, Campbell from Newcastle Utd.
Although Orlando Pirates representing South Africa were knocked out of the MUPC World Finals in the early stages, the team remained in positive spirits from gaining experience and insights from their competitors, and more importantly from the professional footballers during their coaching sessions.
Coach of Orlando Pirates, Professor Augusto Palacios was full of praise for his team, and the tournament. “The team has played well especially when you consider the level of play from the international teams. We wanted a better result in all our matches as the opportunities were there – we would need to work harder on our finishing.”
“Overall, this tournament is a huge success story for the development of the game. Since the first day group matches, the quality of play is remarkable. It has also been very inspiring to have the Manchester United first team squad training next to where the matches are being played. There are also so many youngsters from around the world who have been identified at this very tournament to represent some of the best clubs is testimony to the tournaments success. Iniesta is just one example of a great player.”
“When you consider the experience that the young Pirates players are gaining from playing against the best teams in world, and also being a part of the coaching clinics, this is exposing them at an early age to international levels of football. There are a couple of players who certainly have the opportunity to make it to professional levels. I’ve always regarded the MUPC tournament as one of the most important development programmes in the world, and I’m glad that we have the opportunity to experience it.”
Pirates finished in 13th place overall. The team returns to South Africa on Monday 9 August.
TELKOM CHARITY CUP
After hosting a hugely successful World Cup, South African soccer fans now turn their attention to local football. As with most, if not all the leagues around the world, the PSL (Premier Soccer League) has an annual curtain raiser to kick off the new season. In South Africa it comes in the form of the Telkom Charity Cup. The TCC is a single day tournament made up of two ‘semi-finals’ played one after the other with the two winning teams then playing each other in a final later that evening.
Fans vote for their favorite team and the four clubs with the most votes qualify for the tournament. The aim of the tournament is to raise money for charity through the votes and gate fees.
This year the competition will see Kazier Chiefs, who received the fourth most votes take on vote winners Mamelodi Sundowns before second placed Amazulu take on Orlando Pirates, who have won the Charity Cup the past two years.
All four teams, especially Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates will be looking to send out a strong warning to current PSL Champions SuperSport United. SSU have won the league three years running and Downs, Chiefs and Pirates will be looking to wrestle the title off ‘Matsatsantsa’. The Charity Cup provides a great opportunity for managers to make some final adjustments to their team before the season kicks off on 27th August.
The matches will be played in Soccer City. This is the first time the Telkom Charity Cup will be played at Soccer City in four years because of the World Cup upgrades.
