Approximately 85 youth footballers and coaches pose for a group photo behind Mainz 05 and Rheinland-Pfalz banners during the two-day international training clinic in Cape Town.

Image: Supplied

German professional football club 1. FSV Mainz 05, which competes in the German Bundesliga , put 85 youth footballers from across Cape Town to the test through their paces this week in a rare training clinic.

The two-day programme gave local players from under-10 to under-18, and coaches a direct look into how European clubs implement their tactical play and the various coaching methods used at elite European academies.

From left: Jody Samuels; Justin Tantaal, Founder and Owner of Nexgen Football School; Simon Hasler of 1. FSV Mainz 05; Robert Daniels; and Joseph Tantaal.

Image: Supplied

Mainz 05 representative Simon Hasler led the sessions, working alongside the local Nexgen coaching team to deliver drills demanding professional-level intensity.

Project facilitator Justin Tantaal noted the immediate impact he saw on the young athletes, describing the opportunity to host the group as "incredible." He emphasised, "The biggest success was seeing these young players being exposed to a different level and style of coaching."

He explained that bringing the international football ecosystem directly to Cape Town helps "open their eyes to what is possible and what is required to reach that next level."

Local coaches also took the chance to take all on all that was on offer over the days by approaching the clinic with the mindset of how to implement a consciousness approach of play and enhance South African youth football development in practice and level of standard.

2027: Europe bound 

The Cape Town-based academy now focuses on preparing a core group that will go on a tour next year, 2027, to face off against German giants. 

"This is about more than a two-day clinic. We want them to experience that environment first-hand, compete against strong opposition and come back better players because of it," Tantaal said.