The days of migrating to Gauteng and other provinces by local youths to further their football careers will soon be something of the past.

This follows the decision by the Louis Trichardt-based Murunwa Private School to open a soccer academy in the next academic year.

To prove that they are serious about producing future soccer stars, the school has appointed the highly-respected coach, Mr Eddy Masia, as the head of the academy. Speaking to Mirror earlier this week, Masia mentioned that his appointment will bear fruit sooner than expected.

He revealed that one of his strategic objectives is to produce a player or two who will represent the country when South Africa hosts the World Cup tournament in three years’ time. He said that they have already reached an agreement with the local Absa Premiership side, Black Leopards.

According to him, they will focus on the U/12 and U/15 boys. After graduating, the boys will be passed over to Black Leopards who will be given the first priority. It will be only after Lidoda Duvha has selected their own players that other professional clubs will be given a chance to do so.

Masia further said that they were busy finalizing the agreements with a number of Absa Premiership League clubs. Masia said that registration for the talented boys will remain open until early next year. He appealed to boys who wish to register at the school to bring along their birth certificates and school reports.

Masia indicated that there will be accommodation for boys who come from outside Louis Trichardt. He appealed to those who will require accommodation to register as a matter of urgency, saying that limited space for accommodation is available. Registration can be done at the Murunwa Private School in Louis Trichardt.