Chippa United and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have agreed a new partnership that will see the pair open a new soccer academy in the Eastern Cape.

The partnership is expected to see the sides exchange players as part of the deal, with Atletico planning on utilising the academy as a means of recruiting young African talent.

‘South Africa is a great country. We want to invest here. So, choosing South Africa was very exciting,’ Atletico representative Maria Chiviri told the press, reports Goal.

‘We want to make a difference here, but we are going to discuss other matters with Chippa United. We want to develop football here,’ she added.

Chippa United CEO Lukhanyo Mzizi, meanwhile, explained that the deal will not only improve the academy of the club but could raise the standard of its football.

‘As Chippa United, we always champion football development and we are welcoming this initiative. We also want to strengthen our own academy and seek ways to improve our standard of football,’ he said.

The new academy is set to be opened in the township of Walmer.

CUFC Chairman with NMBM Deputy Mayor and the Atletico delegation opening the Walmer Sports Fields. pic.twitter.com/jDykaUYBu3

— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) September 21, 2016