October 27, 2017 (Johannesburg, South Africa) – Shield, South Africa’s #1 selling deodorant brand, is proud to announce the winner of the Shield Sbonis’ iDiski competition as Quade Roskruge from Wentworth, Durban. On the final day of trials, coaches felt that the talent was so strong that they also selected two runners up – Joshua Roman of Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, and Alanzo Khun of Mitchells Plain, Cape Town – who will take the trip of a lifetime to go to Cobham for a training experience with the Blues.
These players have travelled from across the country to participate in an intense, week-long development program with 26 aspiring footballers. They have risen through the ranks! They have demonstrated their passion and commitment and have fought tirelessly to secure the title of the Shield Sbonis’ iDiski Champions!
The weeklong training session with Chelsea Football Club’s senior international foundation coaches gave local football players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train like a champion and develop their football skills at international levels.
“We are so honoured to offer this experience to this talented group of players. Our hope and aim is to provide a platform where they can showcase their skills and passion for the game. We hope that this week has further challenged them as skilled football players and will help them see some of their goals and dreams become a reality,’’ explains Gareth Marshall, Senior Brand Manager for Shield South Africa.
“The talent we’ve seen from these young men on the field has been impressive, and I’m excited to see them continue to pursue their dreams” adds Marshall. “Since May, Shield has been dedicated to helping change the lives of these young footballers by providing them with opportunities to pursue their passions and strengthen their skills, both on and off the field.”
Roskruge, Khun and Roman will see themselves travelling to the Cobham Training Centre in Chelsea, London to train with the Chelsea Coaching Staff and players, while also watching a match and meeting the Chelsea Football Club.
“As part of the partnership, Shield was offering one football player from South Africa a chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a day training with the Blues coaches at their training base in Cobham. However, the pool of talent was so strong that we found it difficult to select just one winner. It is for this reason we have selected three of the strongest players to go to Chelsea,” explains Steve Winnett, International Football Development Officer for the Chelsea Football Club.
“Roskruge, Khun and Roman stood out for their determination, hard work and continued practice on and off the field. They have come through the ranks and it’s this type of dedication that inspires both Shield and Chelsea. They have lived up to the challenge and I’m excited to see them on the field with the Chelsea boys back home. This will both strengthen their talent and encourage them to continue their football practice,” adds Winnett.
“This partnership with Shield has provided an amazing opportunity for aspiring footballers in South Africa,” said Ian Woodroffe, International Development Manager of the Chelsea Foundation.
“We know the country holds many players with a huge passion for football and this competition has given them the chance to demonstrate their passion and ability. The Chelsea Foundation works hard to improve the lives of young people all over the world and we look forward to extending our work in South Africa.”
All over South Africa, there are millions of young football fans who watch their favourite players and dream of making it big. They dream of running onto the pitch with the likes of Eden Hazard, Victor Moses and Cesc Fàbregas, playing for their favourite football club and scoring goals when it matters most. Confidence to perform in the moments that matter can often be the difference between winning and losing.
With Shield, anyone can have the confidence to take on the day, no matter what their movements are. When you move with purpose, you get things done. This partnership with Shield has provided an amazing opportunity for aspiring footballers from all over South Africa.
Use the hashtag #MoveWithShield and join the conversation. You can also follow the action on @Shield_ZA on Twitter, @ShieldZA on Facebook and @ShieldZA on Instagram.
To learn more, visit www.shield.co.za.