About
Stars of Africa
Stars of Africa Football Academy transforms young talent into disciplined, confident footballers who embody excellence, creativity, and teamwork.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our PHILOSOPHY aims to offer young talent a chance to flourish and strongly encourage values such as desire, respect, teamwork, and effort. We strive to play an attractive brand of football that focuses on an elaborate build-up from the back combined with attack-minded ball possession that is efficient in front of the goal and encourages players to express their creativity.
OUR OBJECTIVE
Our OBJECTIVE is to develop complete players who can initiate play, participate in build-up, and finish. That said, winning is not the ultimate goal; learning is. Players are guided by Stars of Africa coaches, who support them with decision-making, encourage them to take calculated risks, and ensure that the players themselves are always at the heart of their learning process.
Our Mission
Who we are & what we do
Stars of Africa Football Academy is committed to becoming a force in youth development and coaching education in Africa. Our business foundation provides our players and coaches with personal attention and excellence. We also empower community-based projects by assisting them with coaching and development. We aim to provide a platform for aspiring footballers to develop their skills, knowledge, and character, enabling them to reach their full potential on and off the field.
Our Vision
What we aspire to be
To be a leading football academy in Africa, recognised for producing talented footballers who excel at the highest levels of the sport, while also instilling values of discipline, integrity, and teamwork.
Excellence:
Striving for excellence in all aspects of football, including skills, tactics, and fitness, as well as academic and personal development.
Integrity:
Upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and ethical behaviour, both on and off the field.
Discipline:
Instilling a strong work ethic, self-discipline, and commitment to personal growth and improvement.
Teamwork:
Fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and mutual respect among players, coaches, and staff.
Empowerment:
Empowering young footballers to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact in their communities.
History of the Academy
The beginning of Stars of Africa Football Academy's first facility in Brixton.
The inaugural Engen KOC. Stars of Africa's first Engen Cup Victory at the HPC Centre in Pretoria.
The Academy team makes the last 32 of the ABSA Cup.
Sibusiso Khumalo is the first Stars of Africa Football Academy Graduate to turn professional, signing for Moroka Swallows just before he turned 18. He also represented South Africa at U20 level at the U20 World Cup in Egypt.
May Mahlangu becomes the first Stars of Africa Football Academy Graduate to sign professionally in Europe for Helsingborg in the Swedish Premier League.
Stars of Africa Football Academy Graduate May Mahlangu wins the Swedish Premier League Player of the Year award and is nominated for goal of the season. Tefu Mashamaite signs professionally for Kaizer Chiefs. Tokelo Rantie signs professionally for Orlando Pirates.
The Stars of Africa Football Academy team plays Bayhill Metropolitan Cup in Cape Town and ends in the Top 3.
TK sets up a goal for May Mahlangu in the African Cup of Nations. The boys who grew up in the academy together are now men and link up for Bafana Bafana to guide them to victory.
Tokelo Rantie becomes the first Stars of Africa Football Academy Graduate to play in the English Premier League by signing with FC Bournemouth.
Stars of Africa Football Academy Graduates Tefu Mashamaite wins the PSL Defender of the Year as well as the PSL Player of the Year, and Thibang "Cafu" Phete signs for Vitoria in the Portuguese Primera Division. Luther Singh and Pule Maraisane sign for GAIS in Sweden.
Stars of Africa introduces Junior teams to develop more grassroots talent.
The Academy team goes on to win the Engen KOC Provincial and National Champs, beating Sundowns and TUKS on their way to Glory.
Genino Palace becomes the 7th Bafana Bafana International and joins the Stars of Africa Academies Elite.
The Academy team, with an average age of just 18, wins the coveted Under 21 Orlando Pirates Cup against Orbit College in the finals.
Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi signs for Orlando Pirates and wins the Players Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Season Awards.
The Academy opens its 2nd home, The Atrium.
Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi makes his National team debut and scores two goals in the CAF Cup qualifiers, becoming the 8th academy graduate to represent the nation.
The Stars of Africa Football Academy U17 Team wins the prestigious International IberCup Tournament.
Meet our Leadership Team
Coach Farouk Khan
Farouk Khan
Farouk Khan, the director of Stars of Africa Football Academy since 2003, is a pioneering figure in South African football development. With a career spanning decades, Khan has made a profound impact on the sport through his exceptional coaching skills, strategic mindset, and unwavering passion. His ability to nurture young talent has been widely recognised, shaping the careers of numerous players who have excelled at local and international levels.
Khan’s coaching journey includes successful tenures with prominent football clubs, where his tactical acumen and motivational leadership led to multiple championships and accolades. Beyond his on-field achievements, he has mentored aspiring coaches, sharing his expertise to advance football education across South Africa. A respected analyst and media contributor, Khan is often sought after for his insightful perspectives on the game.
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Khan’s influence extends beyond coaching. He has been instrumental in community initiatives, using football to inspire and uplift individuals. His commitment to promoting sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork has left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of players and fans. Farouk Khan’s dedication to developing the next generation of footballers has solidified his reputation as a mentor, role model, and visionary in South African football.
- BP Top Eight Cup: Winner
- Youth Cups: Eleven championship titles
- PSL Championship: Titleholder
- Coca-Cola Cup: Two-time winner
- ABSA Cup: Two-time champion
- Mandela Cup: Winner
Nadime Mahmood
Nadime Mahmood
Nadime Mahmood is an international sports marketing consultant committed to developing young football players. Mahmood also holds the esteemed position of Marketing Director at Stars of Africa Football Academy. Alongside Farouk Khan, he made significant personal sacrifices to establish STARS OF AFRICA FOOTBALL ACADEMY, laying the foundation for what has become a beacon of football development in South Africa.
A distinguished football agent with close links in the international football arena, Mahmood has played a pivotal role in bringing high-profile coaches to South Africa to facilitate skills transfer and accelerate both coach and player development. His tireless dedication and unwavering support make him a pillar of strength for the academy, working relentlessly to ensure its continued advancement.
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Mahmood’s experience, vision, and passion for player development are central to STARS OF AFRICA FOOTBALL ACADEMY’s success, solidifying his integral role within the academy.
