LaLiga and Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS), representing the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN), have jointly announced the launch of the Royal Bafokeng Sports LaLiga Academy, a landmark partnership that brings world-class football development to South Africa.
The collaboration marks a significant step in advancing youth football on the African continent, combining LaLiga’s globally recognised training methodology with the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s long-standing commitment to sport as a driver of community development. The initiative also supports the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s Vision 2035 (Plan 35), which prioritises investment in sports programmes and resources to empower local communities.
Located at The Sports Campus @ Marang at the Royal Marang Hotel in Phokeng, the academy will operate within a state-of-the-art environment designed to meet elite international standards. The facility includes six natural grass pitches, two artificial turf pitches, a 7v7 pitch, and a High Performance Centre, providing an optimal setting for both training and competition.
At the heart of the academy is the implementation of the LaLiga Methodology, a proven system that has positioned LaLiga as a global benchmark in youth football development. The programme will be led by a UEFA Pro Licence coach serving as Technical Director, working alongside local coaching staff and under the direct supervision of LaLiga’s technical team in Spain.
The academy will initially accommodate approximately 100 players across five divisions — U14, U15, U17, U19, and a senior SARL team — offering a structured pathway that balances high-performance training, competitive participation, and academic stability. Players will compete in community, regional, and elite competitions, supported by advanced performance analysis technology to enhance individual development.
Trésor Penku, Managing Director of LaLiga Africa, emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This launch reflects a shared commitment between LaLiga and the Royal Bafokeng Nation to the responsible and sustainable development of youth football in Africa. By combining our methodology with RBS’s infrastructure and long-term vision, we are creating a high-performance environment that will nurture talent and contribute meaningfully to the South African football ecosystem.”
Emile Smith, Acting Managing Director of Royal Bafokeng Sports, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “This partnership with LaLiga represents a major milestone in the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s journey to develop young football talent. Together, we are creating opportunities for aspiring athletes through world-class coaching, mentorship, and access to exceptional facilities. This academy will not only elevate player development but also inspire a deeper passion for football within our communities.”
The partnership builds on LaLiga’s extensive global footprint, with more than 900 international sports projects delivered across over 60 countries in the past decade.
Juan Florit, Head of Football Projects at LaLiga, added: “Through collaborations such as this, we are able to share the knowledge and expertise of Spanish football while adapting it to local contexts. Together with the Royal Bafokeng Nation, we aim to identify and develop regional talent and create long-term value for the game.”
LaLiga continues to lead globally in youth development, with academy-trained players reaching a combined market value of €1.477 billion — the highest among Europe’s major leagues — and accounting for 19.8 per cent of total
playing minutes in the 2024/25 season. This model reflects a strong commitment to nurturing home-grown talent while ensuring long-term sporting and economic sustainability.
Through this partnership, LaLiga and the Royal Bafokeng Nation are jointly investing in the future of football — creating pathways for young players to thrive locally and compete globally, while strengthening the broader football ecosystem in South Africa.