Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Sunderland AFC and Bidvest Wits in South Africa have enjoyed a fruitful relationship since agreeing to a football partnership in 2013.
To date, the partnership has included Sunderland AFC delivering coaching sessions in South Africa to Bidvest Wits academy, with Sunderland AFC’s U16 team also training with The Students youth academy during their visit for the Gauteng Future Champions Cup earlier this year.
As the partnership continues to go from strength to strength, the Black Cats welcomed Bidvest Wits' Liam Jordan to Sunderland last week.
The youngster, who is taking South African football by storm, has been training at Sunderland AFC’s state of the art training base, the Academy of Light, and enjoying the benefits of the Black Cats partnership with Bidvest Wits.
“The partnership has definitely benefited me as it has afforded me the opportunity to come to Sunderland for a development training week, it has also tested me against some of the best kids in my age group in the UK,” said Liam.
“I am learning each and every day and that’s always the philosophy that I have adopted, with this experience playing a big part in my learning process. The environment at the club is very professional yet is very homely and I have been made to feel welcome since I arrived.”
During his visit Liam also got the chance to attend the Barclays Premier League fixture between Sunderland AFC and Swansea City at the Stadium of Light. Before the game, Liam met with Sunderland AFC’s Commercial Director, Gary Hutchinson.
Gary said: “It has been a pleasure to host Liam for the duration of his development week. He has been a great advocate for Bidvest Wits and the partnership between the two clubs. As part of the strong partnership with Bidvest Wits, we look forward to welcoming more young players and developing our strong links with the club.”
Speaking about the visit, Liam said: “It has been a fantastic experience and I would like to thank both Sunderland and my club, Bidvest Wits, for making this opportunity a reality.”
Liam signed for Bidvest Wits last year and is highly regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in South African football.
He is scheduled to become the second youngest player to ever play in the Absa Premiership when he makes his professional debut on his return to South Africa.
“Bidvest is a leading company in South Africa, who are also success story outside of our country, and my hope in the future is that I too can also become a success story outside of South Africa.”
