Two Olympia FC players, Gabriel Nicholas van Niekerk and Andreas Toumbis, have been invited to trial with Italy’s Reggiana FC, highlighting a partnership that will identify and develop South African football talent for European opportunities.
Johannesburg, South Africa (13 November 2025) – Olympia FC has scored a major win for South African football! The Bedfordview-based club has been officially appointed as the exclusive scouting partner for AC Reggiana Calcio, a professional football club in Reggio Emilia, Italy currently competing in Series B (second tier of Italian Football).
The partnership gives Olympia FC the mandate to represent the Italian side in identifying and developing promising talent from across South Africa.
As part of this ground-breaking collaboration, two Olympia players have been invited to Reggio Emilia this November for trials and a professional training experience with Reggiana’s technical team. Gabriel Nicholas van Niekerk and Andreas Toumbis will get a first-hand taste of European football while being evaluated for potential opportunities within the club’s system.
Olympia FC President, Giovanni Di Benedetto expressed the importance of what is at play.
“This partnership is a proud moment for our club and our players. Becoming Reggiana’s official scouts in South Africa is both an honour and a responsibility, it’s recognition of the work we’ve done in developing quality players and a major step forward in connecting South African talent with global opportunities.”
Reggiana’s appointment letter outlines the club’s intent to expand its talent network into Africa through trusted partnerships. Under this agreement, Olympia FC will act “in the name and on behalf of Reggiana Calcio,” scouting young prospects and strengthening the Italian club’s global recruitment drive.
Nicola Simonelli is the General Secretary of Reggiana Calcio and believes proper investments in young players are essential for their growth.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Olympia FC. We believe their local insight and commitment to youth development will be instrumental in discovering future prospects for our club.”
For Olympia FC, the partnership goes beyond the field. It’s about creating real pathways for South African players to step onto the international stage, gain professional exposure, and showcase their talent where it counts.
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With this new chapter, the club cements its position as a powerhouse, turning dreams from the training grounds of Johannesburg into opportunities in the heart of Italy.
Sources: Supplied
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