South Africa is home to many talented players who play abroad. This is only possible through the many academies in the country.
Soccer academies nurture young players by imparting technical and tactical knowledge and inducting them into football programs. Below are some of the best soccer academies in Johannesburg, South Africa.
1. Kaizer Chiefs Youth Academy
Kaizer Chiefs Youth Academy is a school founded by Kaizer Chiefs FC founded to develop the next generation of players who play in the senior team.
Located in Naturena, Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs Youth Academy develops young talents across five different age groups: the U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19. There is fee required for joining the academy.
2. Bidvest Wits Academy
The academy was founded by Stan Whiting in 2009. It is located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Bidvest Wits Academy is a good option for those who are passionate about joining a football academy as it runs through partnerships with private investors to award football scholarships to talented players.
The soccer academy legends include Sibusiso Vilakazi and Darren Keet, among others.
3. Orlando Pirates Academy
Orlando Pirates Academy is affiliated with the Orlando Pirates football club which has it headquarters in Houghton, Johannesburg.
It is one of the most successful on the continent, offering budding footballers a pathway from grassroots football to international heights.
Orlando Pirates Academy offers a comprehensive program package emphasizing developing young players’ technical skills and tactical knowledge.
4. RCDE Academy Johannesburg
RCDE Academy contains many other academies nurturing under 9 to 19 years old. In the academy, young players work with RCD Espanyol de Barcelona coaches in teams of 20.
The process is overseen by a director with several coaches who specify playing style and teach the players club values through training drills to gauge player ability.
5. Supersport United Soccer Schools
Supersport United Soccer Schools has two schools in Marks Park Arena and Pirates Arena in Johannesburg, training 5 to 15 years old talents.
Veteran Brazilian coach Mike Hughes works with the academy in training sessions that typically last between 10 to 20 hours per week.
SuperSport United Soccer Schools staff equip young players with adequate soccer skills to become pro footballers.
6. The University of Johannesburg Football Club
The University of Johannesburg Football Club is is regarded as one of the best in Johannesburg. It scouts talent via its teams registered with the SAFA Football Leagues and 28 others.
The academy nurtures young football talent while improving their lives through academic excellence. Student football teams play in the UJ Residence football leagues.
7. Stars of Africa Football Academy Johannesburg
Stars of Africa Football Academy is located Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa. Criteria for selection included speed, mobility, intelligence, leadership, and technique.
The academy works with Farouk Khan, an experienced youth coach, to provide mentorship to the youth. There is a member fees of between R180 and R945 per annum.
8. Liverpool FC International Academy South Africa
LFC International Academy was established in South Africa in 2016. The schools are affiliated to schools across three states: Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.
The academy recruits children aged 5 to 16 and teaches them how to become better footballers. There is a monthly fee of between R700 for two weekly sessions.
9. Prestige Football Academy & Agency
Prestige Football Academy & Agency is in Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa. The academy typically works with children between 10 and 19 years old.
Boasting several branches across the Johannesburg estate, Prestige Football Academy & Agency ensures learners are trained with UEFA-accredited staff.
10. Football Academy Plus
Football Academy Plus was initially founded in Cape Town, but has grown and spread its wings to Johannesburg, where has a branch.
Kids under 10 and 19 are accepted in the academy, helping them train with UEFA-qualified staff with a track record of developing top-notch players.
Football Academy Plus is has the aim of bridging the gap between grassroots football and transforming them into football players.
11. Augusto Palanciaos Apprentice Academy
Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy is one of the football schools in Johannesburg, specializing in actively nurturing football players of all ages.
The football academy has its headquarters in Mayfair, South Africa, and scouts talent around Johannesburg and other parts of the world.