Mannetti to start academy

FORMER Brave Warriors midfield dynamo Ricardo Mannetti has decided to plough back his wealth into the game by calling into life a football academy for the young.

The Ricardo Mannetti Soccer Academy (RMSA) will be launched early next month and will target the under-13, under-15 and under-17 age groups.
He told The Namibian Sport that the academy will target boys for now, but will be expanded at a later stage to cater for girls too.
He said the fundamental reason for setting up the academy despite the fact that there were several other in the country at the moment, was to teach the youngsters the fundamental basics of the game.
He says many Namibian youngsters who are playing football are talented but lack the basics, which he believes is vital for any player at an early age.
He said some players at club level and who turn out for the national teams cannot head, shoot, pass, tackle or even cross the ball.
‘Players need to learn at a young age how to head, kick and pass the ball correctly. We have players with great dribbling skills in Namibia, but after dribbling past opponents, their finishing is poor as they can either not shoot on target or cross the ball correctly,’ he said.
He added that players need to understand the different formations at an early stage, but importantly they have to practice certain techniques until they perfect it and ultimately making it a permanent feature in their game.
‘Players need to instinctively know that they can score from any angle or position if given the chance, or three of their five free kicks should be on target. That will only come through consistent training and perfecting their techniques. That is what this academy will be all about,’ he said.
He said the academy will also take players through a workout in the gym, focus on their diet and give them tutorials after practice sessions.
‘The techniques will include the technical and tactical know-how as a footballer, while the workouts will specifically concentrate on strengthening players who need to improve their physique. A dietician who will look at the eating habits of the players will be used, while tutorials for players will be offered after practice sessions at a later stage,’ he said.
He said the programme will run from February to November, with only 25 players per age group.
He said the teams will also tour to especially neighbouring South Africa for tournaments.
Mannetti played professional football for Bush Bucks, Avendale Athletic and Santos in South Africa and is currently the head coach of Civics, where he started his career.
He will be assisted by three assistant coaches and a goalkeeper coach, but says the programme will be affordable for all parents.
Mannetti can be contacted at 081 422 7243 or at 085 554 5115. E-mail can be sent to rgmannetti@yahoo.com. – corry@namibian.com.na