ETS coach talks developing quality players RUIMSIG – Brian Chauke from Cosmo City dribbles around cones during a training session at Education Through Soccer.,ETS coach Paradise Moeketsi appeals for support for youth soccer development.

Brian Chauke from Cosmo City dribbles around cones during a training session at Education Through Soccer.

Top soccer development coach Paradise Moeketsi is adamant that South Africa would produce more well-developed and marketable players if the support of players was enhanced from ground level.

Despite different player backgrounds, the Education Through Soccer (ETS) academy coach said youngsters must be granted equal opportunities and support for them to reach greater heights.

Moeketsi, who has developed elite players such as Lehlohonolo Majoro, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates striker, and the late Sundowns player Gift Leremi, highlighted that he nurtured young talent from different communities. He added that some players who come from townships sometimes lack opportunities to play due to financial difficulties.

Education Through Soccer coach Paradise Moeketsi gives instructions during soccer training at the academy.

However, he indicated that he taught the players to share with one another at training.

“We try and mix players from Zandspruit, Cosmo City and Ruimsig. We teach the players to share because [you] sometimes find that other players have three sets of soccer boots while others have to borrow,” he said.

Moeketsi has more than 25 years of coaching experience and is the force behind the success of Nibonile Dlamini’s soccer career, a 15-year-old girl who was recently scouted by Banyana Banyana juniors.


Moeketsi stressed that many talented youngsters were trapped in the townships because they were prevented from getting exposure and opportunities by their supposed mentors. “When they [mentors] bring players to the academy, the mentors want rewards, but we try and explain that the player is still an unfinished product.”

On such individual is promising player Brian Chauke (15) from Cosmo City. He hopes to turn professional but has obstacles preventing his success. He said he walked from Cosmo City to Ruimsig to attend training and his parents were not fully supportive.

Education Through Soccer coach Paradise Moeketsi observes young players training at the academy.

Moeketsi added that they provided food over weekends for the players to keep them focused during matches. He also appealed to the community and local businesses to assist the boys with training equipment and transport.

Details: educationthroughsoccer@gmail.com