Nicholas Mynhart, Teboho Tsotsetsi and Melusi Zulu were selected from over 5 500 hopefuls who attended trials at Nike's The Chance football talent search.
The trio were part of the 46 finalists scouted from regional trials hosted in June in five cities, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
Nike's head scout and legendary football coach Johan Neeskens congratulated the winners at the announcement made at Soccer City following the players competing in the final trial at the renowned stadium.
“This is a dream come true for any aspiring footballer who wishes to play international football. All the finalists have worked hard, but it is these three winners who showed the most determination and discipline who will live the dream of training at the famed youth academy of FC Barcelona.
"We wish them all the best, and encourage them to remain focused and continue striving for the ultimate goal, which is to play professional international football.”
Neeskens joined Nikes core team of coaches Shaun Bartlett, Craig Rosslee, Tebogo Moloi and Arthur Zwane during the final deliberations following an intense four-day trial hosted at The Nike Football Training Centre.Soweto since last Thursday.
The core team assessed the boys speed, agility, endurance and tactful play during drills and small sided games, while continuously monitoring discipline and determination.
The youngsters who travel to Spain in mid-August, will be competing against 97 other boys selected from 55 countries, to earn a place in the elite 16-man squad to train with the best professional teams and play against the most prestigious youth academies.
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