About Us
Discover our mission, vision, and commitment to athletic excellence
James Mothibi
James Mothibi is a former professional footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Orlando Pirates and African Wanderers. He grew up in Warrenton, a disadvantaged area in the Northern Cape, and later moved to Klerksdorp, where he played for teams like Western Aces and Klerksdorp City. Mothibi has since focused on community development, establishing the James Mothibi Sports Development Programme to empower youth and promote sports in his hometown. He is also involved in coaching, having taken on roles as a coach for local teams and contributing to the development of young players. Mothibi remains active in football, advocating for change and supporting local initiatives.
Our Mission
To develop outstanding athletes and leaders by providing world-class training, mentorship, and educational opportunities. We are committed to nurturing character, discipline, and excellence in every aspect of our students' lives.
Our Vision
To be the leading sports academy in the region, recognized for producing elite athletes, future leaders, and positive community members who make a lasting impact both on and off the field.
Our Story
James Mothibi Sports Academy is a football academy helping disadvantaged kids in South Africa, established in 2017 by former Orlando Pirates striker James Mothibi. With 2 satellites (Johannesburg and Kuruman, Northern Cape) and scouts across SA, the academy develops young football talent and promotes life skills and education.
The academy has played a role in the development and guidance of several professional and emerging footballers. These include Ethen Visagie, an Orlando Pirates goalkeeper; Rethabile Remontoeli of Orlando Pirates; former Black Leopards and Richards Bay United FC midfielder Lebogang Sentsho; Maurice Flinck, a Free State Stars central defender; and Jerome Jonkers, a La Masia player who featured as a striker for Free State Stars, among others.
Over the years, the academy has built strong working relationships with leading football institutions such as Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhuni United, TS Galaxy FC, AmaZulu FC, Highbury FC (Motsepe Foundation), and Leruma Lions FC (Motsepe Foundation). In addition, the academy maintains international contacts and is guided by Adel Ambrunche, a highly qualified coach holding UEFA CAF A Licence and UEFA FIFA Pro A Licence credentials.
The academy currently operates with the support of parents through donations and close collaboration. All payment-related matters are handled directly by the academy. Based in Johannesburg, the academy works with young players from across the country and actively seeks support from private companies and government institutions to continue developing football talent nationwide.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Striving for the highest standards
Integrity
Honesty and strong moral character
Teamwork
Collaboration and mutual support
Responsibility
Accountability to ourselves and others
Meet Our Staff & Leadership
Learn more about our leadership, coaches, and staff on the Staff page.
James Mothibi Sports Academy Code of Conduct
Players
- Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, Clubhouse and Officials.
- Attend all training sessions and matches on time, one hour before.
- Wear proper kit and gear of the Academy.
- Listen and follow instructions.
- Promote Respect, teamwork and sportsmanship.
- No Drugs, Okapipe, Ladies, Vaipe, Alcohol and swearing allowed.
Coaches
- Respect players, parents, and officials (Referees).
- Provide clear instructions and feedback.
- Ensure player safety and well-being.
- Promote positive behavior and sportsmanship.
- No drugs and Alcohol allowed.
Parents
- Support your child and their teammates.
- Respect coaches, officials, and other parents.
- Don't interfere with coaching or refereeing.
- Encourage positive behavior and sportsmanship.
- No drugs, Alcohol, Okapipe, Snooze, vape allowed near soccer field or training.
If anyone isn't respecting the code:
- Verbal warning
- Temporary suspension from training or matches
- Meeting with the James Mothibi Sports Academy management
- Permanent removal from the Academy
Academy Players Respect Teachers and expect to pass with high marks all Terms.
Johannesburg Gauteng Development League
- Start of training: 17 Jan 2026, 09:00 (Sat)
- 18 Jan 2026, Die Fakkel High School Soccer Field (Sun)
- All Under's training trials allowed.
- Academy clothes arrive end March
Regards, JMSDA Management
SAFA Gasegonyana JTG
- Start of training: 10 Jan 2026, 10:00, Mothibistad Soccer Field
- Registration (2026): R1200 once a year.
- Monthly fees: R500 (games transport, referees, 3 coaches' stipends and Kalk for lines during league games)
- Academy clothes: R1700 (full kit)
- Payment deadlines:
- Registration & Jan fee: 31 Jan 2026
- Academy clothes: 28 Feb 2026 (stuff arrives end March)
- Those parents who already took out will add on what they must give on Tracksuits
Regards, James Mothibi Sports Academy Management