Professionals impart soccer skills, knowledge to pupils
FEZEKA High School pupils in Gugulethu were put through their paces when ex-professional football players Neil Winstanley and Ryan Botha hosted the pro coaching skills initiative at the weekend.
The initiative aimed to harness the power of youth through sports in Cape Town and to invest in and develop their talents.
The initiative was introduced by Infinite Skilz Soccer Clinic in partnership with technology platform Skilz and sports gear brand Under Armour.
Winstanley, a Bidvest Wits University FC, Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns exdefender and fullback, said: “Infinite Skilz is highlighting the need for youth development and the sad lack of investment in sport in South Africa.
“The great man himself, Nelson Mandela, couldn’t have said it better.
“Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
The under-13 boys and girls spent a day of mentorship with the professionals.
The two owners of PointBreak Fitness Centre brought their skills and passion for the game and shared their experiences in the business of soccer with the disadvantaged youth, who eagerly gathered for the big day with Infinite Skilz at Hickory Road AstroTurf in Athlone.
“Nothing beats that feeling of playing in front of 110 000 people at the FNB Stadium when I was with my old team, Kaizer Chiefs.
‘‘We want to empower these kids to look at aiming their talents at that,” said Winstanley.
“It’s my personal experience that sport breaks down racial barriers and discrimination and brings communities together. As a nation we need to encourage our kids to play sport and to be a part of a team so they have an alternative to crime, drugs and gangsterism.
“Kids are our future and the lessons we would like to teach them through this initiative will hopefully last them a lifetime.”
Former Supersport United, Wits, Thanda Royal, Moroka Swallows and Platinum Stars left winger and striker Botha said: “I feel strongly that without giving back years of experience in the game that has treated us so well, we would be letting down all those who had dreams of becoming a professional athlete but couldn’t.
“From 10am, the Infinite Skilz kids were put through a programme of both basic motor skills and fundamental football skills, but more essentially they were mentored in teamwork and followed more intense training that the two coach shared, including dribbles and turns, kicking with both feet, speed and explosive footwork.”