Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Ajax Cape Town officially launched its new academy in the Mother City on Friday.
The facility will be used to nurture players and prepare young African talent for the top European leagues.
This is according to Ajax's chief executive officer Eris Efstathiou, who hailed the unveiling of the new academy which is called Ajax Lambda Institute.
“The Ajax Lambda Institute’s vision is to prepare and nurture young African talent for top European leagues,” Efstathiou told the media.
“It’s truly a historical occasion for Ajax Cape Town – we are enterprising and dynamic in whatever we do, and we’ve just taken one big step further in terms of youth development," he continued.
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Premier Soccer League (PSL) club chairman Irvin Khoza and Ajax Amsterdam chief executive officer Edwin van der Sar officially opened the Lambda Institute.
“Our commitment to youth development goes beyond what any other club does for youth development, and don’t forget, we’re only in the NFD," he added.
Khoza, who is also the Orlando Pirates club chairman, lauded Efstathiou and the National First Division (NFD) side for building such a facility which will improve the standard of youth development in the country.
“It’s a particularly good day for South African football. It is indeed a good day when visionary individuals and such an organisation driven by a selfless leader dedicates as an integral part of their being – not as a sideshow – the development of people, and not only people, but young people," Khoza.
“Thank you Ari. You have my admiration and support in your commitment to these young people. Good luck to you and the kids, and do not spoil the opportunity to be the best you can be," he concluded.
The academy is expected to accommodate, school and train young promising footballers.
