In an exciting turn of events, Champions Academy is now opening a soccer academy that aims to develop national soccer stars. Their soccer coach is former Black Leopards player Vusi Kharivhe.

“The soccer academy will run parallel to the high standard academic programme of Champions. Every July, we will host a soccer clinic in conjunction with an academic winter school. As from next year, we will provide hostel facilities to house all young aspiring soccer players from afar,” said the principal of Champions, Ms Sonja Prinsloo.

The development of soccer players from a very tender age is near to  the heart of Kharivhe. “At a young age, the player does not have to unlearn wrong techniques but can learn correctly from the start,” Kharivhe said. It is also in line with certain aims of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust Fund that became operative in April this year.

Kharivhe (33) was born in Gogobole village and started playing soccer at the age of six. He played in the Vodacom League in Thohoyandou at the age of 18. Three years later, in 2000, Vusi was selected by Free state Stars, and from 2001 to 2006  he played for Black Leopards. “Playing in front of my family and community was so rewarding. Under Gavin Hunt, who is currently with Supersport,  as well as other coaches, I made my mark with Black Leopards. They made me from a rural boy into a soccer name. I will always be a fan of Black Leopards and would one day like to be their coach,” said Vusi, who used to be a middlefielder-cum-striker.

He also played for Nathi Lions in Durban and FCAK (first division) in Johannesburg, before his professional soccer career was abruptly ended by a car accident in 2009. Recovery was long. “But when I received Jesus Christ into my heart, everything opened up and is now coming together. For those with the perception that there is no life after soccer, I want to say that I am now back where I belong. Education and developing young children are the best. I have big dreams for these boys,” Vusi said, who joined Champions Academy in May this year.

“I can see this is going somewhere. At first we will develop a strong team for the school. The soccer development at Champion’s Academy is a long-term process. We want to do great things for soccer in this region,” said the school’s sports manager, Mr Maxwell Ndebele.

“Eventually, we will select those players who are excelling to go for trials to be scouted and developed as soccer stars. It is not only about those who play soccer, however. Some drills will be for everyone and soccer will open up the other sporting codes,” Kharivhe said.

The moment Kharivhe starts with the boys attending the winter soccer clinic, it is like opening up another world. His professional experience, superior knowledge and skills, love for the children and a true coach’s pursuit of excellence transform the children in the mind’s eye into excelling players with full soccer kit and the dusty field into a green expanse. One instinctively knows this picture will become a reality.

“I am here to learn new skills and to grow up as a super soccer star. I come every afternoon in the term and want to come on Saturdays too. So far, I have learnt to control the ball,” said Andani Thovhokale (13) of Champions Academy.

Children from other schools may also attend the winter holiday clinic. Matodzi Rapholo is a learner of Louis Trichardt High School, where he plays rugby. “I come for the soccer clinic because of Vusi and to keep fit,” Matodzi said.