Africa United U19 Cup aims to take South African talent to European football stage

A new Africa United U19 Cup tournament in Johannesburg will give promising South African footballers a route towards elite development and international scouting opportunities in Spain.

The competition will be held from 10th to 17th of December this year, building on the U19 Madrid Elite Cup 2026 edition, which is scheduled to take place in Spain in August.

Africa United founder and director Bob Richard said the project was established in South Africa to help local players gain exposure to clubs and academies in European and Spanish football markets.

“Myself, as someone from DRC, my country has talent, but objectively speaking South Africa has some serious pure talent and players that know exactly what to do with the ball,” Richard said.

“That is why we decided to start the project here in South Africa and the issue of visa administration is easier here compared to other African countries, that’s why we decided to partner with clubs and academies here in South Africa.”

Richard has previous experience of South African football, having played in the ABC Motsepe League in Mpumalanga before moving to Spain. He now runs BRM Consulting, the organisation behind the Africa United project.

Although similar initiatives have been introduced previously, Richard believes Africa United offers something different.

Alongside the Johannesburg tournament, the organisers are assembling a selected squad of players from teams in the Gauteng Development League. That group will travel to Spain in November to compete in the Surf International Cup.

The tournament will give the South African players the opportunity to face established clubs and academies, including Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG and Glasgow Rangers.

“The big guns are waiting that side and once the fixture schedule is released we will spread the news on our social media for that tournament in Barcelona,” Richard said.

“It is a huge thing and a wonderful opportunity for these youngsters.”

The player selection process is being led by Thiery Mulondzo, a former Silver Stars and Highlands Park youth coach and talent scout with extensive knowledge of football in South Africa.

Africa United’s plan is centred on creating a further pathway for young South African players to reach international tournaments, attract attention from scouts and continue their development in Spain.