Allen Kanyane and Matthew Mbekeni have achieved a significant milestone in their football careers by joining the prestigious Canaletto Elite Academy in Italy.

This opportunity comes after their dedication and hard work at the SoccaDream Academy in Cape Town, where they have been nurtured from a young age.

Matthew joined SoccaDream at just 7 years old under the guidance of Coach Pere Ariweriyai, while Allen became part of the academy in 2020, soon after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Their journey has been a long-term investment in their development as footballers, and this call from Canaletto Elite Academy is a testament to their talent and perseverance.

The Canaletto Elite Academy boasts a rich history of producing over 60 professional players over the last 25 years, including notable stars like Gianluigi Buffon, a World Cup champion with Italy in 2006, and Nicolò Zaniolo, a former Roma star currently playing for Atalanta under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

The boys’ move to Italy is part of a cultural exchange program, allowing them to join an Italian bilingual school and continue their education, which is integral to the philosophy of SoccaDream.

Their transition to this new phase in their careers comes on the heels of a significant achievement: winning the prestigious Iber Cup Tournament in December in the Under-14 category. Currently, SoccaDream has received invitations to two major international tournaments in Europe, providing even more opportunities for the boys to showcase their talents against Champions League clubs and other professional teams, further enhancing their exposure on the international stage.

As they embark on this exciting journey, both Allen and Matthew are set to continue their development as athletes and individuals, representing the hard work and dedication that has characterised their time at the SoccaDream Academy.