REAL Madrid FC chairperson and coach, Rabie Siphiwo Gongqa, has announced that he will change his club into a soccer academy.
According to Gongqa, Madrid has a history of producing quality players. Under the leadership of Gongqa, Azola Matrose, who plays for Chippa United, is one of the top players from Walmer Township. Gongqa informed PE Express that they would establish a strong soccer academy in place of the soccer club.
“We are going to establish Real Madrid Soccer Academy very soon that will be registered under SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay region. At present, our major challenge would be sustainable sponsorship but we will not give up until our goal is achieved. Our junior teams will be affiliated to Walmer Football Association (WAFA),” Gongqa said.
Gongqa also revealed that his academy should have proper training facilities, as their training field was of low quality.
Furthermore, they need transport for away games, equipment for training for all teams, first aid kits, voluntary coaches who should get stipends and funding for refreshments for the players and the visitors.
“If we can get huge sponsorship, we will be able to produce more professional players like Matrose and others. The more we produce professional players, the more funds will be generated thereof after they are signed by professional teams. Those funds would help us to run this project successfully.
In November 2019, we got funding from National Lottery Commission and sponsorship from Dietco Pty Ltd which helped to keep our club running,” said Gongqa, who can be contacted on 073 575 0528 or 074 627 8320.
