Home About Fixtures & Results News Shop Academy Members Sponsorship & Partners Contact Apply to Join
Home › Academy
ACADEMY
Bakone United FC · Youth Development

Where Legends Begin

The Bakone United FC Academy is the beating heart of our club's future — a world-class development environment where talented young players from Limpopo and beyond are moulded into professional footballers and outstanding human beings.

Our Foundation

Academy Philosophy

We don't just develop footballers. We develop complete people — grounded in discipline, driven by purpose and ready for the demands of professional sport and professional life.

Player First, Result Second
Technical excellence through repetition
Tactical education from U10 level
Mental health and wellbeing support
Academic performance monitoring
Community, Identity & Pride
Respect for teammates, opponents and officials
Community engagement and giving back
Cultural pride and identity
Media and life skills training
Structure

Development Pathway

A clear, structured route from grassroots discovery to professional football. Every player who enters the Bakone United FC system understands exactly where they are on the journey and what it takes to progress.

U10Ages 7–10
Little Lions Programme
Fundamentals of football movement, balance, coordination and fun. Small-sided games, no match results. Focus on love of the game and individual skill acquisition in a positive, play-first environment.
Foundation
U12Ages 11–12
Under-12 Academy
Introduction of positional concepts, passing patterns and team structure. Players receive their first formal coaching in the Bakone United FC 4-3-3 system. Academic monitoring begins.
Development
U14Ages 13–14
Under-14 Academy
Competitive league participation begins. Tactical development intensifies with video analysis sessions. Position-specific training modules introduced. First exposure to physical conditioning programmes.
Competitive
U16Ages 15–16
Under-16 Elite Academy
Full-time academy integration. Players receive professional-standard coaching, nutrition guidance and sports science support. Regular exposure to first team training environment begins. National tournament participation.
Elite Dev
U19Ages 17–19
Under-19 Reserve Team
The gateway to professional football. Players train with and against the first team on a regular basis. Performance data tracked against professional benchmarks. Loan moves to feeder clubs may be arranged for match exposure.
Pre-Pro
FIRSTTEAM
Bakone United FC First Team
The ultimate goal. Academy graduates who reach this level have earned their place through years of dedication. They join a club with PSL ambitions, a world-class environment and a fanbase that will love them forever.
⭐ Professional
Expert Leadership

Academy Coaching Staff

Our coaches are UEFA and CAF qualified professionals who have dedicated their careers to developing young talent. They are mentors, educators and role models.

Tshegofatso Montjane
Academy Head Coach
Tshegofatso Montjane
Head Coach of Academy

Leads all coaching activities, develops players and implements match tactics and training programmes.

Skwati Moloto
Head Coach
Skwati Moloto
Head Coach

Supports player development, training sessions and tactical preparation for matches.

Mathabe Matshela
GoalKeeper Coach
Mathabe Matshela
Academy GoalKeeper Coach

Develops goalkeepers' technical skills, positioning and overall performance.

Thabo Ntlhane
Performance Analyst
Thabo Ntlhane
Academy Performance Analyst

Analyses player and team performance to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Emmanuel Mazwi
Sports Science
Emmanuel Mazwi
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Develops fitness programmes to improve players' strength, endurance, and physical performance.

Open Trials · 2026

Apply For Trials

The Bakone FC Academy holds open trials twice per year for players aged 10–19. We are looking for talented, dedicated and coachable players who have what it takes to represent one of South Africa's most exciting football clubs.

Next trials: January 2026 — Bakone United FC Fields, Polokwane

01
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form with your personal details, position and current club or school team. Upload a short video clip if available.
02
Initial Screening
Our academy scouting team reviews all applications. Shortlisted candidates receive a confirmed trial invitation within 14 days of closing date.
03
Attend Trial Day
Trials are held at Bakone United Fc Fields. Players are assessed across technical, physical and psychological parameters over a full day programme.
04
Offer & Induction
Successful candidates receive a formal Academy offer within 7 days. We then work with families to complete enrolment, academic placement and settling-in support.
Trial Application

Complete this form to register your interest for the January 2026 Bakone United FC Academy Trials. All positions and age groups welcome.

Applications close 15 December 2025. All applicants will be contacted by email.

Your Journey Starts Here

Does Your Child Have
What It Takes?

Every legend started somewhere. Every journey begins with one step. If you believe your son or daughter has the talent, dedication and desire to play professional football — let Bakone FC Academy help them find out.