Football is more than just a sport. While millions of young people across the globe play for fun, only 1% of academy players ever turn professional. For those who do, the game offers a pathway to greatness and a chance to rewrite their stories. Achieving this takes more than just talent, it requires preparation by coaches who hone players tactically, technically, cognitively and psychologically.
In South Africa coaches are given the opportunity to prepare their teams for international tournaments like the IBERCUP, the world’s biggest international youth football tournament, where talent, strategy, and determination collide to shape futures. The technical development of players at the entry level of football is where some of the stumbling blocks begin.
Moses Weah, Senior Coach at the RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg, says: “These tournaments are where a player can really learn their craft and hone their skills against tough opposition. They give young players a taste of what’s possible and push them to raise their game. But without the right coaching, even the most talented players can struggle to reach their full potential.”
Tournaments and coaching build South African football:
Behind every thrilling dribble and commanding midfield performance is a coach working tirelessly to ensure their players are ready for the global stage. Coaches like Weah and Haroon Lachporia from RCD Espanyol de Barcelona Academy JHB are at the forefront, meticulously preparing their squads to compete against the best in the world.
Tournaments such as IBERCUP are more than just games – they’re a crucial cog in the development of South African football. Exposure to international competition helps young players adapt to diverse playing styles, while expert coaching bridges the gap between local talent and global standards.
For Coach Weah, the secret lies in balancing technical skill with physical fitness. “To ensure a balance between technical skill development and physical conditioning, I integrate both aspects seamlessly into my weekly plan,” he explains. His approach doesn’t just create stronger athletes; it produces smarter players who can outthink and outmanoeuvre their opponents.
Meanwhile, Haroon Lachporia, the Academy’s Technical Director, highlights the importance of meticulous planning. “Preparing a team for a major tournament takes careful strategy. Recruiting and scouting players for key positions is vital, particularly in the centre of the field. This area often determines a team’s strength,” he notes.
More than a game: Mentorship and community impact:
Coaching for a tournament isn’t just about tactics – it’s about nurturing young athletes from diverse backgrounds. Many of these players carry not only boots but also the weight of dreams from their families and communities. For their coaches, every training session, pep talk, and moment of tough love is part of a larger mission to empower young South Africans and change the trajectories of entire communities.
At the heart of this transformation is the RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg, the only official football LaLiga football club in South Africa that participates in the IBERCUP International tournament. Through its partnership with IBERCUP and with the support of Vuma, South Africa’s largest fibre network operator (FNO), the academy is equipping players and coaches with opportunities to succeed both in football and in life. Together, they are building a bridge to the future, empowering youth to dream bigger and achieve more.
Taylor Kwong, Head of Marketing at Vuma says, “We are thrilled to partner with IBERCUP. This partnership has already created meaningful opportunities for our youth, with over 4,000 players from 202 teams competing, including 193 local teams. IBERCUP’s sponsorship enabled 20 school teams (10 girls and 10 boys) and 10 SAFA teams to participate, offering access to strategic coaching and invaluable experiences they might never have had. Vuma’s sponsorship enabled IBERCUP to invite Paris St Germaine, PSV Eindhoven and Benfica to visit our shores. We are excited about what this means for the youth and proud to be part of bringing this world-class opportunity to the youth of South Africa.”
From world-class training to potential international trials in Spain, the Academy is ensuring South African football talent is no longer on the periphery of global development.
Beyond the Whistle
When the whistle blows, it won’t just signal the start of a match. For South African coaches and their teams, it will mark the next chapter in a story of resilience, growth, and ambition. Thanks to their dedication and vision, South African players are not only dreaming of the top – they’re climbing toward it.