Africa United concept focused on exposing SA talent to European and Spanish markets

The Africa United Cup is building on the U19 Madrid Elite Cup 2026 edition in Spain from August this year and will now stage a new tournament in Johannesburg from the 10th to the 17th of December of this year. 

The aim is to create another pathway for promising South African footballers to access elite development and international scouting opportunities in Spain, according to Founder and Director of Africa United Bob Richard...

"Myself, as someone from DRC, my country has talent, but objectively speaking South Africa has some serious pure talent and players that know exactly what to do with the ball. That is why we decided to start the project here in South Africa and the issue of visa administration is easier here compared to other African countries, that's why we decided to partner with clubs and academies here in South Africa."

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Richard is no stranger to South African football, having played in the ABC Motsepe League in Mpumalanga before relocating to Spain, and now operates through BRM Consulting, the project owner of Africa United. There have been many concepts like this before, but Richard believes theirs is unique.

Africa United are also preparing a carefully selected squad, made up of players from teams in the Gauteng Development League, who will participate in the prestigious Surf International Cup in Spain in November. 

Richard says that in this tournament, the local boys will be competing against clubs and academies such as Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG and Glasgow Rangers...

"The big guns are waiting that side and once the fixture schedule is released we will spread the news on our social media for that tournament in Barcelona. It is a huge thing and a wonderful opportunity for these youngsters."

Leading the selection process is former Silver Stars and Highlands Park youth coach and talent scout Thiery Mulondzo, who has vast knowledge of the local football scene...