The local amateur football outfit Ocean XI FC has teamed up with the Mamelodi Sundowns star player Neo Maema’s foundation to host a coaching clinic with the aim of imparting football knowledge to both girls and boys in Bloemfontein. The coaching clinic will be held at the Clive Solomon Stadium in Heidedal on Sunday (18/06).
This will be the first initiative of its kind. Other players expected to impart their knowledge are Reagan van der Ross and Tumelo Njoti, both currently playing for Maritzburg United.
Levine Vries, Ocean manager, said more former professional players and technical officials from the club would be part of the coaching programme.
The clinic is open for all interested players, from six-year-olds to those in U21 teams.
“The objective is two-fold: To help nurture players, and scout those with potential. We invite interested players and clubs to be part of the programme, which is to benefit the larger community,” said Vries.
Ocean currently campaigns in the third-tier division, regional league, and has development teams.
Prominent retired professional footballers are involved with the club to impart their knowledge to the next generation. They include Jan Kotoane and Solomon Gatri, former players of Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates, respectively.
Registration will open at 08:00, with practical coaching sessions from 09:00 until 11:00.
Participation in the programme is free.
Participants are required to bring their own soccer outfits.
For more information contact Merrill Russell, chairperson, on 083-424-7256 or Vries on 071-620-4004.
