What motivated me to start the academy was the fact that I am a father and it pained me seeing young talented and energetic youth getting lost into dangerous lifestyles, these were the words of Brits Soccer Academy Chairman, Tembo Mayanja who dedicates himself in giving back to the community of Brits.
The academy was established in 2016 and in its 6 years of existence, it has managed to offer young talent exposure to professional football both nationally and internationally.
In an exclusive interview with Tshwane Bulletin Newspaper, Mayanja took us through the Academy‘s achievements and progress over the years.
“The Academy has been in existence for 6 years now and it changed lives of the boys playing football in terms of exposure to professional football level,” he said.
The Academy has also gone on to play international tournaments.
Mayanja revealed, “On the international level the Academy has taken boys to countries like Botswana ,Uganda, Manchester in the United Kingdom and recently Namibia to participate in international football tournaments”.
He further revealed on the importance of these international tournaments in gaining experience and exposure.
“These international tournaments give the boys international experience and exposure also prepares them for future national call ups and at the same time getting to see how football is played in different countrie, ” he added.
Currently campaigning in the Super League, the academy’s main objective is to nurture, develop and expose talent to greener pastures and so far the Academy has got 12 Qualified coaches with CAF D and C football coaching licenses.
The academy is currently in preparation for a five day KZN games tour in March during school holidays and Mayanja revealed the plans put in place to ensure the tour goes well.
“The KZN road games tour which will be in March during school holidays is part of the academy’s year program and the planning started in December 2021 organised by the academy’s technical director Mr Dumisani Thusi originally from KZN and head coach of varsity college as well as AmaZulu FC scout,” revealed Mayanja.
The tour gives an opportunity for players to express themselves as they will play against teams like AmaZulu FC MDC, KZN academy and Royal AM MDC. This is the Academy‘s second visit in KZN as the first visit was in 2017.
Mayanja believes a number of players would be selected by teams and is expecting productive 5 days in KZN.
“We are looking forward to getting great games and more experience for the boys as well as getting our boys scouted to join MDC teams”.
Talking about the mood and atmosphere in the camp, leading up to the much anticipated tour, Mayanja said in conclusion, “The mood is really good and all the new players and coaches are looking forward to travel with the academy for the first time”.
