Mainz 05 takes European academy expertise to Cape Town in youth football clinic

German Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 has brought its academy coaching methods to Cape Town, putting approximately 85 young footballers through a two-day international training clinic.

Players aged between under-10 and under-18 took part in sessions designed to give them a direct understanding of the tactical principles and coaching practices used by elite European clubs.

The programme also provided local coaches with an opportunity to study how professional academies structure their training and develop players. The footballers and coaches gathered for a group photograph behind Mainz 05 and Rheinland-Pfalz banners at the conclusion of the clinic.

European methods in Cape Town

1. FSV Mainz 05 representative Simon Hasler led the training, working with coaches from local academy Nexgen Football School.

The sessions were built around drills conducted at professional-level intensity, with players exposed to different demands from those they would typically encounter in their local environment.

Project facilitator Justin Tantaal, the founder and owner of Nexgen Football School, described the chance to host the German club as “incredible”.

“The biggest success was seeing these young players being exposed to a different level and style of coaching,” he said.

Tantaal added that bringing the international football environment directly to Cape Town helped to “open their eyes to what is possible and what is required to reach that next level”.

Local coaches also used the two days to assess how the ideas presented by Mainz 05 could be applied in their own programmes. They approached the clinic with the aim of developing a more conscious approach to play and improving the practical standards of South African youth football.

The event was attended by Jody Samuels, Justin Tantaal, Simon Hasler, Robert Daniels and Joseph Tantaal.

Academy plans 2027 Germany tour

Nexgen Football School is now preparing a core group of players for a tour to Germany in 2027, where they will face German giants.

“This is about more than a two-day clinic. We want them to experience that environment first-hand, compete against strong opposition and come back better players because of it,” Tantaal said.

1. FSV Mainz 05 are currently fifth in the 2026/2027 German Bundesliga.

The club is also known for helping launch the managerial careers of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel. Klopp was a Mainz player before he was unexpectedly appointed head coach in 2001, while Tuchel also went on to achieve success in management after his time at the club.