Four South African youngsters have been selected for trials abroad. South African-based Italian agent Aris Albetti has confirmed that the four players, Luke Mbewe, Nathaniel Chavula, Tshepo Banda and Kondwani Sakala have been selected to attend trials abroad.

Albetti is one of the founders of talent identification programme Socca Dream, and as reported in edition 1146 of Soccer Laduma, he has provided details on the selection process of players and more. “The clinic was led by UEFA Pro Licence coach and former Qatar (U21) and Liberia national team coach Roberto Landi, alongside some local coaches for a duration of five days,” the organisers confirmed.

Albetti explained, “The talent was on show and the competition was very high. However, the coaches had to pick the best of the best. Dealing with 70 players from different locations is never easy, however, the coaches were world-class in their approach. These youngsters learned a lot. Their attitude and level of professionalism was outstanding.

Bafana Bafana and Zhejiang Greentown FC striker Dino Ndlovu officially announced his involvement with Socca Dream, an international football scouting agency that aims at helping upcoming footballers get life-changing opportunities abroad.

International scout Aris Albetti, founder at Socca Dream, said for the first time South Africa will be part of this amazing initiative. “After many successful activations in Italy, Spain and Hungary, I’m thrilled to bring Socca Dream to SA,” said co-founder Sduduzo Masuku. The FGA Academy will be working hand in hand with Socca Dream and its ambassador Ndlovu on the initiative, offering soccer clinics and lessons on how to make it to professional football and to stay there. Ndlovu said, “Look at me, for example. I never got an opportunity to really express myself locally, but overseas I was more appreciated and I can say since then, my life has changed for the better.

“I’ve played at the European Champions League. I wouldn’t have achieved that if I stayed in South Africa. I really want the other youngsters to challenge themselves today and hunt for opportunities, not only at home but abroad as well, to help change their lives for the better.” Socca Dream will also bring international coach Claudio Balesini, who is a former professional Italian footballer and who later obtained his UEFA A license and has been involved with AC Milan international camps all over the globe. Balesini, famous for his coaching methods, is part of the Empoli FC (Serie A) as full-time scout. The first edition of Socca Dream International soccer clinic, in partnership with Ndlovu and FGA Academy, takes place in Johannesburg from 28 September to 2 October. The selected players from the clinic will get an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to try out with Socca Dream.

Local future soccer stars could see their dreams of playing abroad or in the professional leagues coming true. This has been made possible by the Socca Dream International, which plans to host soccer clinics in September where local talent will be unearthed from all parts of the country. Socca Dream is an international football scouting agency that aims at helping upcoming footballers get life-changing opportunities abroad. Bafana Bafana and Zhejiang Greentown FC striker, Dino Ndlovu is the ambassador of this initiative.

First to be selected to participate in the Socca Dream Football Clinic that will take place in Sandton in September is Nhlakanipho Shongwe who has expressed his joy and gratitude after receiving the nod and sponsorship. Shongwe, 21, is one of 10 players that have been sponsored by the Socca Dream ambassador and Zhejiang Greentown FC striker Dino Ndlovu. In an emotional interview, Nhlakanipho revealed how his dream was made a reality. “I was inspired to contact Dino Ndlovu and Socca Dream the moment I saw a Socca Dream article in the newspaper from a close friend.

“I immediately walked to the library and did some research on the Socca Dream programme and after reading about the programme, I sent an email to them. The response didn’t even take a lot of time and I received documentations to fill in and a brochure,” he said. “While reading the brochure I learned that each player has a certain fee to pay to be enrolled and accepted. At first I was heartbroken when I found out about the fees, knowing the situation going on at home,” Shongwe continued. The youngster said his hunger for the game is what got him the sponsor. “I spoke to my friend and told her about the fees and she advised me to get a sponsor. I applied to many companies for sponsorship without any success.

“Everything changed when I spoke to my mother and told her about the Socca Dream programme. She told me to send an email to the organisers of Socca Dream and explain my situation. “I sent an email to them and a separate one to Dino Ndlovu on Instagram requesting help with my problem and the rest is history,” he went on. “I believe Socca Dream is creating and opening opportunities for young soccer players that are unknown. My goals now are to go there and learn more from expert coaches that will be coaching us and apply the knowledge and skills given to my football. I believe that I’m good at what I do but every good player has a good coach and when a good player and a good coach are put together, you’ll get an excellent partnership,” Shongwe concluded.