ASPIRING footballers have been given another chance to try their luck in the most decorated Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search – the bank’s initiative that has produced players such as Aubrey Modiba.
The Modiba factor has been used by the organisers as the only available body to prove that dreams do come true, and that no one is an exception. Even you could be playing for a PSL team next season.
The talent identification programme is back – the seventh in running, and the bank’s desire to continue repaying its clients for their loyalty is what the doctor ordered from May.
Footballers around the Northern Cape have been making noise that they’ve been ignored when it comes to this highly rewarding initiative, and the bank has listened. The try-out venues for the seventh edition of the Ke Yona Team Search will start in the Northern Cape at their flagship venue, Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley, on 11 May.
While Modiba could still be an admiration for many, but there is also Bongani Sam, who has been called up to the SA Under-23 Olympic qualifying squad from Bloemfontein Celtic. There is also Ricardo Versuur of Highlands Park, who has come through this initiative.
From Kimberley, the selected try-out coaches will move to:
- 27 April: North End Stadium in East London.
- 2 May: Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo.
- 12 May: Dr Petros Molemela in the Free State.
- 25 May: Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
- 1 June: Ikamva in Cape Town.
- 8 June: Rand Stadium in Joburg.
In the previous try-outs, over 1 000 enthusiastic footballers attended the tests with the hope of catching the eye of the coaches.
Tutu Ntuli, sponsorship manager: football properties at Nedbank, said they are a long time investor in the future of football in South Africa.
There is also the Nedbank Cup, which is at the quarter-final stage, where Ntuli’s bank comes to the fore again.
Added Ntuli: “However, it is not only about giving footballers the chance to follow their dreams, we also strive to uplift players and their communities through financial education. I urge all aspiring footballers to register for the coming tryouts and wish them the best of luck.”
Robert Sebastian, who coached NC Professionals from the Northern Cape in this year’s Nedbank Cup Last 32 stages, also welcomed the opportunity of finding unpolished football diamonds in the Northern Cape.
He said: “We have a lot of excellent players in the province, but many have to move to other areas to realise their dreams of becoming a professional footballer because the opportunities are slim in the Northern Cape. I can assure you that there are a lot of quality players in this area.
“It is just about them getting the opportunity to show what they can do. It is wonderful to see that Nedbank is giving local players this chance through the Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search.”
- Following the try-outs, 48 players are chosen to attend a series of Boot Camps where the team are whittled down to a final squad of 18 players.
The final Ke Yona team play a fixture against the reigning Nedbank Cup champions, who will play in the final in May, and are also drafted to train for a month with a PSL club, giving them a chance to prove their ability at the highest level.
- Those hoping to join the class of 2019, who are between the ages of 18 and 23, can register for the Ke Yona Team Search try-outs using the *120*KEYONA# (standard rates apply).
