“The idea about the academy is that it’s not just about football, it’s also about Liverpool’s family values, and about teaching kids lifeskills.” – Lyndon Barends

ble… we want to improve the quality of strikers and goalscorers available.

“John Barnes (ex-Liverpool player) will spearhead this unit and we are also looking at bringing in other well-known strikers to give motivational talks and coaching drills that will improve the kids’ speed, body strength, peripheral vision and other attributes that contribute to making a good striker.”

And twice a year, the academy will also take a team over to Liverpool, where they will be taken up into the Anfield club’s programme for training and matches. The Reds also have academies in Texas, Sweden and Norway, and the South African academy will embark on a tour to experience those countries’ programmes.

The Liverpool coach, who will be responsible for coaching programmes across Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, is Chris Ochwat. He will assume overall responsibility for the technical aspects of the project, which includes the development of coaches and the delivery of coaching programmes to the players.

“I’m delighted to be taking up this position and can’t wait to relocate and get started,” Ochwat said.

“On all my visits to South Africa I have encountered a real appetite for both football, and specifically Liverpool FC, which makes this opportunity hugely exciting for me.

“I’m looking forward to working with the coaches and young players, and will be on hand to pass on my expertise for the benefit of all the participants.”

SUPPLIED FUTURE KOP STAR? Anthony Godfrey conducts a training session with one of the children at Liverpool’s academy in SA.

TEAM RED: Lyndon Barends, Chris Ochwat and Liverpool Academy SA CEO CJ Benjamin.