• Twenty aspiring stars to participate in Cape Town based camp
• Camp to combine technical training with general health and wellness coaching

CAPE TOWN, Monday October 24 – Twenty talented soccer players scouted through the Airtel Rising Stars talent search today kicked-off their advanced soccer training at an Airtel-sponsored football camp in Cape Town.

 The soccer camp, which will take place from October 24-28, will host talented youngsters from four African countries where Airtel operates namely Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana. For many of the students, who arrived in Cape Town yesterday, this trip marks their first time travelling outside their home countries.

 Commenting on the importance of programs such as Airtel Rising Stars, Obinna Aniche, General Manager, Brand Assets, Airtel Africa said: “This phase of Airtel Rising Stars is perhaps one of the most important in the tournament. It is through the football clinics that Airtel follows through on its promise to not only nurture talent in Africa, but to develop it, too. We have a lot of great players on our continent; workshops like this give these players a chance to get take their talent to the next level.”

 Facilitated by the Forwardzone, the camp aims to develop the talent of the students through a week long training session that comprises both technical skill-building and general health and wellness coaching.

 “We believe that becoming a great football player takes a lot more than just technical ability,” explained Ashley Kotzin, CEO, Forwardzone. “The camp will give these students an opportunity to enrich their skills, and develop them into complete professionals.”

 The kickoff event held at the Sunnydale sports facility in Cape Town was preceded by a morning warm-up training session that allowed the coaches to familiarize themselves with the skill level of the players.

 Aside from technical training sessions and workshops, the players will also have the opportunity to visit the world famous Robben Island and Table Mountain – the landmark of Cape Town. In addition, they will get the chance to attend a game between two high profile Premier soccer league (PSL) teams, Santos and Maritzbug United.