APPA CLOSED THE YEAR 2025 WITH SUCCESSFULLY, CELEBRATING 20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY SINCE ITS FOUNDATION

Augusto Palacios

I apologise for not writing sooner to keep you updated on the academy’s activities.

As in previous years, during 2025 we competed in multiple leagues, including the Mayfair LFA, Soweto LFA, and the Johannesburg Academy League, across various age groups.

Below is a summary of our key activities and achievements for 2025:

National Team – U/17 World Championship (Qatar)

We are proud to have had three players represent South Africa at the U/17 World Cup in Qatar. These players were developed over several years at our academy:

  • Kamohelo Mareletse (Team Captain)
  • Teboho Mlangeli
  • Tumi Mothapo

All three performed exceptionally well and have since returned to their respective PSL clubs in different divisions.

South African Professional Soccer (PSL)

Several academy players are currently playing professionally, including:

  • Lyle Foster (England, Burnley FC)
  • Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
  • Azola Tsobeni and Sonwabo Khumalo (Chippa United FC)
  • Siphamandla Sesane (Casric Stars)
  • Dunge Siphamandla (Upington City)

In addition, other former academy players are competing in the Motsepe League and various regional leagues.

Academy & Youth Competitions

Our U12 academy teams competing in the SAFA LFA achieved outstanding results, winning the cup and finishing as runners-up. The U17 team also won the cup in the SAFA Greater LFA, Johannesburg Academy League, and SAFA Soweto LFA. Our U15 and U17 teams were crowned league champions.

In 2025, six academy players successfully graduated into the development programme through hard work, discipline, and strong family support. These players are on track to progress into the U13, U14, U15, and U17 divisions by 2026.

We continue to evaluate and support long-standing academy players who are showing excellent progress. Our participation in the ENGEN U18 tournament further demonstrated the high standard of our development programme, with players showing ambition and readiness to compete at higher levels—one of the core objectives of the academy.

Reserve Team & Coaching

Our reserve team competed in the SAFA Regional League, which represents a crucial step for players aspiring to reach higher levels of competition. Despite the league’s competitiveness, we are proud to have players as young as 15 competing successfully.

We are equally proud of our coaching staff, including both new and experienced coaches, who continue to demonstrate high levels of competence and professionalism. Education and mentorship remain a cornerstone of our academy philosophy.

Year-End & Appreciation

We concluded the year in November with the APAA closing ceremony, where we thanked parents for their invaluable support—without which player development would not be possible.

The academic side of our players’ lives remains a priority. Balancing studies and football requires discipline, effort, and sacrifice, and we continue to emphasise the importance of both.

Our technical team is led by Coach Lesego, the academy’s Technical Director, whose dedication and professionalism are evident daily.

I would like to extend sincere thanks to my wife Zoila, my family, my children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, my nephew, Ricardo in administration, and everyone who forms part of the APAA family. Special thanks as well to Johannesburg Secondary School in Mayfair, and to the principal, Mrs Anny, and the SGB for their ongoing collaboration in sport development.

Congratulations to all players awaiting their Matric results, as well as those in other academic grades.

Closing Ceremony Guest

The closing ceremony was attended by academy and development players, along with their families. Our special guest was Joseph Makhanya, a former professional player who has made a significant contribution to South African football. I had the honour of being part of his development, and he is now a coach at Orlando Pirates FC.

We look forward to 2026 with renewed ambition and commitment to continuous improvement.

May the new year bring health, fulfilment, and success to every family.

May God bless you all.

Director

Prof. Augusto Palacios