Experienced coaches from America and local coaches shared soccer skills with young kids this past weekend, during a two-day skills development programme, held at Mthatha Stadium.
Among the coaches who trained the children were Ellison Smith, who is an experienced soccer coach from the United States, and local coaches, Ayakha Gqoboka and Louw Bhala.
The skills development programme was organised by The Cranium Media Productions’ partnership with OBONTU, an organisation from the US, and it was a free programme aimed at underprivileged communities.
The founder of OBONTU, which stands for One By One Nations to Unite, Todd Paskett, said that their goal as OBONTU was to help people one-by-one to empower them through small business and sport.
“We have with us talented soccer and netball players, among others, from America teaching the youth those skills.”
He said this was their first visit to Africa and that so far, ‘it was amazing”.
About 30 children participated in this training programme, which was open to both male and female soccer players.
Meanwhile, Smith told Mthatha Express that she was impressed by the determination and passion shown by the young stars during the two-day training session.
“It was great,” Smith said.
“We have some talented and passionate kids.
“The girls also did well today against the guys,” the impressed visiting coach said.
Smith said she would love to come back to South Africa, mentioning that the players who were part of the programme were incredible.
“They have so much passion and I would like to progress my coaching anywhere.”
Smith also said her dream was to coach internationally, possibly leaving the United States to coach in Germany.
