Future soccer stars in the making

Pro-Athletico Soccer School founder, Chris Dhlamini said, “Pro-Athletico is a soccer school which was formed with the sole intention of tapping into young and raw talent at grassroots level.” The school was established in 2011. He said, “Pro-Athletico started with four players and now it has grown to over 50 players.”

Dhlamini felt that something was missing in the game of soccer in the country. “There is not enough education in our sports department,” he said. “Soccer needs to be taught like a school subject in order for us to achieve the results we are looking for and this is what we are doing with these kids. They love the game and we are taking that love and adding education to it.”

Practice takes place at the Sandown High School’s fields and children from four to 10 years old are coached by Dhlamini, Nkosinathi Nyathi, Thabo Mokgosi and Elson Granger. As a qualified soccer coach Dhlamini uses his expertise in the townships. “I support a number of youngsters in the townships that love the game of soccer and need the training,” he said. “They don’t have proper coaches, they only have teachers.”

Pro-Athletico was the proud winner of the 2011 Sekela XaBiSo Cup and the Discovery Soccer Park 2013 Winners Cup for the Under Eight Spring League.

Dhlamini said there was still a lot that was needed to keep the club functioning. “Any form of assistance is welcomed from sponsors. I have a space reserved for people who want to invest in the school. People with an interest in developing young soccer talent are always welcomed.”

Details: Chris Dhlamini; proathletico@gmail.com.