RESA still going strong and growing after 25 years
Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA), located in Vereeniging, presents talented young footballers from the Vaal Triangle with opportunities to make their mark, not only on the field of play, but also in the classroom. And it offers them hope for a bright future.
RESA’s facilities are undergoing upgrades and renovations, while residential accommodation is being added to their facility, club chairman Xolani Mathumbo shared with SuperSport Schools Plus recently.
The academy currently accommodates 70 players, which reflects RESA’s dedication to the game and perseverance in the region over the last 25 years. During that time, the academy has established a record of excellence and has produced a number of players who have represented South Africa.
RESA began with dusty fields and rundown facilities, Today, it sports lush green grounds and a nurturing environment for the youth, presenting its young footballers with a favourable opportunity to chase their dreams.
It’s been a source of hope and inspiration in the Vaal Triangle, especially for those with limited resources but exceptional talent.
RESA regularly does battle with teams from the big cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg and excels. That success stems from a strong work ethic and a family-like environment. The goal is to make the academy a second home for its players.
RESA chairman Xolani Mathumbo shared his outlook with SuperSport Schools Plus: “Never allow anyone to limit your aspirations. Strive to soar higher each day.
“These lessons remind us that the world is interconnected. Regardless of race, we all share the same red blood.
“Always bear in mind that life is a continuous journey of growth and improvement.
“Our emblem symbolizes our roots, the path to self-improvement, and the importance of upholding life’s core values.”
Running RESA is a financial challenge, but Mathumbo highlighted the support of Ceramics Industries and TSX, which has stuck with the academy through thick and thin.
RESA’s teams, including u14 and u16 girls’ sides, and u13, u15, u17, and u19 boys’ teams, feature in the Gauteng Development League (GDL).
Through their exposure in the GDL, young talent has been scouted by leading Premier Soccer League clubs, with players signing with SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, among others, which showcases the impact of RESA’s work.
Those players include Lucky Muthewi, who was scoring goals for RESA in the u17 GDL in 2023, and who made his DStv Premiership debut earlier this year for SuperSport United, and Thando “Shavula” Singo, who joined the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy from RESA in 2023.
Others RESA graduates who have gone on to make an impact in the professional ranks include Calvin Kadi, who played for Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates‘ midfielder Thabang Monare, Kaizer Chiefs’ midfielder Mduduzi “Mdu” Mdantsane, Lwandile Mabuya, who plays for Richards Bay, TS Galaxy midfielder Siphiwe Mahlangu, and Nhlanhla Shabala, the general secretary of the South African Football Player’s Union (SAPFU).
