Through a new partnership, more than 6 000 kids across South Africa and the UK will benefit from grassroots coaching and Sundowns’ professional player development pathway.
Midrand, South Africa (02 March 2026) – Mamelodi Sundowns is taking youth football to the next level! The South African football powerhouse has officially launched Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools, teaming up with grassroots development experts Global Soccer Schools International (GSSI) to create a pathway for the next generation of football stars.
The launch was a vibrant gathering with Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, Academy Head Paulo Cardoso, GSSI founders Nick and Steph Aresti, youth coaches, and former students of the GSSI program all in attendance.
Speaking about the need for this initiative, Chairman Motsepe explained that while the club had strong structures for players aged 11 and above, there was a gap for younger kids.
“We’ve really done a good job of making sure that kids who come from the academy at the ages of 11… But when it comes to players at the age of 4, 5, 6, all the way up to 11, that was where we found ourselves lacking.”
Through this exciting partnership, over 6 000 young players aged 4 to 15 will have the chance to develop their skills in soccer schools across South Africa and even in Manchester, UK! According to Nick Aresti, the collaboration is about more than just football.
“By combining our experience in grassroots coaching with the professional structure and pathway of Mamelodi Sundowns, we believe we can create a meaningful development environment for young players.”
The program has already produced some standout talent, including Munashe Mugwara of the Sundowns Ladies, Shandre Campbell, a South Africa U20 international playing for Club Brugge, and Camden Schaper, the world’s most expensive 14-year-old footballer, currently at Blackburn Rovers and set for a transfer to Chelsea FC.
Chairman Motsepe also highlighted the bigger picture of youth development.
“But the success of our programme is not only measured by how many professional players it produces. It is also measured by how many young people fall in love with the game. What matters most is that every child leaves here with joy, friendships, and a lifelong love for the sport.”
The new soccer schools are open to all kids, regardless of skill level, and provide a clear pipeline into the Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Academy, which has been nurturing talent and empowering young players since its inception.
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This phrase announces that Mamelodi Sundowns is starting new soccer schools to train and develop thousands of young players. The initiative aims to nurture talent, improve skills, and provide opportunities for aspiring footballers to grow in a structured environment.
Excellent read! I’ve been exploring similar ideas at Institute of Physical and Sport Sciences and your perspective adds great value.