A newly-formed global youth sports series kicked off in style in Nyanga, Cape Town, this week with a successful football clinic that included special guest appearances from rising star Emile Witbooi and Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus.
The inaugural event, launched by Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), saw 100 registered youngsters from various parts of the Cape community gather at the venue to take part in a variety of structured technical training drills and mentorship sessions spanning several hours.
During the clinic, Erasmus delivered a special speech to the young participants, emphasising the importance of hard work, discipline, and the transformative power of sport in changing lives.
Witbooi – who lives just a short distance from the stadium venue – praised the launch of the series and the profound impact of giving back to local communities and encouraging the youth to pursue their ambitions.
“The first Dream to Play clinic was a truly special occasion, and seeing the joy and determination on the faces of over 100 kids in Nyanga was immensely rewarding,” said Grant Veitch, RNSI Director of African Football Recruitment.
“An event such as this would not have been possible without the incredible support of our valued partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to Nando’s for serving meals to all the youth, and Thirsti for keeping everyone hydrated on an extremely warm day. Special thanks also go to Wellness Warehouse, Nike, and Betconstruct AI for their vital contributions towards key equipment, kit, and footballs to ensure a fun and memorable day out for everyone involved.”
The clinic’s structured training drills were delivered in partnership with Nkala FTBL, whose coaching staff provided hands-on position-specific coaching and mentorship throughout the day.
“It was an absolute honour for our team at Nkala FTBL to be part of such a groundbreaking event,” said lead coach Lwazi Mlonyeni.
“The incredible talent on display today is a prime example of how many hidden sports gems exist in communities right across South Africa. Initiatives like Dream to Play provide these young athletes with the platform, belief, and guidance they need to shine.”
This week’s launch in Nyanga marks the official beginning of the RNSI Dream to Play series – a sustainable, year-round roadshow designed to alternate between three of South Africa’s most popular sports codes: football, rugby, and basketball. Following the inaugural football event, the series will move to its next instalment, with a rugby clinic scheduled for January, before expanding to different venues nationwide and into international markets.
Here is an image gallery of the event:
