Soccer Trials in South Africa (2026) — Open Trials, Dates & How to Apply

Looking for soccer trials in South Africa? Use our trial finder below to search by province and age group. We list open trials from PSL clubs, National First Division teams, and development academies across all 9 provinces — with dates, locations, and how to apply.

How to Find Soccer Trials Near You

Finding soccer trials in South Africa depends on your location and age group. Here is a province-by-province overview of where to look:

• Gauteng: The hub of South African football. Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and SuperSport United all hold trials in the greater Johannesburg and Pretoria area. SAFA Gauteng and the Transnet School of Excellence also offer development pathways.
• KwaZulu-Natal: AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows, Richards Bay FC, and Royal AM hold trials in Durban and surrounding areas. The SAFA KZN academy runs quarterly assessments.
• Western Cape: Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City FC are your best bets for PSL trials. Cape Town Spurs have a strong youth development system. SAFA Western Cape runs regional programmes.
• Eastern Cape: Chippa United in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is the main professional club holding open trials. Local SAFA structures also run identification programmes.
• Limpopo: Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City, Black Leopards, and Marumo Gallants all operate in Limpopo. The School of Excellence in Giyani is a key development pathway.
• Free State: Free State Stars in Bethlehem and local academies in Bloemfontein hold periodic trials.
• Mpumalanga: TS Galaxy is the main professional club in the province.
• North West & Northern Cape: Fewer professional clubs, but SAFA regional structures and college academies run development programmes. Players from these provinces often trial at Gauteng-based clubs.

PSL Open Trials 2026

Several Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs hold open trials each year, giving aspiring players a chance to be scouted. Here are the typical trial windows for 2026:

Important: Trial dates change each year. Always confirm dates through the club's official social media or website before travelling. Do not rely on unofficial sources or pay anyone who claims to guarantee a trial spot.

How to Prepare for Soccer Trials

Preparation is key to standing out at a trial. Here is what you need to know:

Fitness Requirements

• Be able to run continuously for 30-45 minutes without stopping
• Complete 10-15 shuttle runs (beep test level 8+)
• Sprint 40 metres in under 6 seconds
• Start training at least 6-8 weeks before the trial date

What Scouts Look For

• Technical ability: First touch, passing accuracy, shooting, dribbling
• Tactical awareness: Positioning, movement off the ball, decision-making
• Physical attributes: Speed, stamina, strength, agility
• Mental qualities: Attitude, coachability, composure, work ethic
• Game intelligence: Reading the game, anticipation, communication

What to Bring

• Football boots (studs and/or astro turfs depending on the surface)
• Shin pads (compulsory at most trials)
• Comfortable training kit (shorts, shirt, socks)
• Water bottle and light snacks
• ID document or certified copy of birth certificate
• Passport-size photo (some clubs require this for registration)
• Any previous player registration cards or letters from coaches

Soccer Trials by Province

Gauteng

Gauteng is the epicentre of South African football. With Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and SuperSport United all based in the province, there are more professional trial opportunities here than anywhere else. The Transnet School of Excellence in Johannesburg is one of the top development academies in the country, accepting applications from talented young players nationwide. SAFA Gauteng also runs regular identification programmes through school and community football.

KwaZulu-Natal

KZN has a strong football culture with AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows, Richards Bay FC, and Royal AM all offering trial opportunities. Durban is the main hub, but Richards Bay in the north also provides pathways. The province has a well-established school football system that feeds into professional clubs.

Western Cape

Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City FC are the main PSL clubs in the Western Cape. Cape Town Spurs (formerly Ajax Cape Town) have one of the best youth development systems in the country. The Western Cape also has a strong amateur league structure through the SAFA Cape Town region.

Eastern Cape

Chippa United in Gqeberha is the main professional club in the Eastern Cape. The province has produced many top players through its school and amateur football structures. Local SAFA structures in East London and Mthatha also run development programmes.

Limpopo

Limpopo has several professional clubs including Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City, Black Leopards, and Marumo Gallants. The province is also home to the School of Excellence in Giyani, a government-supported residential academy that has produced numerous professional players. Limpopo's rural communities have a rich football tradition, and local tournaments are key scouting grounds.

Free State, North West, Mpumalanga & Northern Cape

These provinces have fewer professional clubs but still offer pathways into football. Free State Stars in Bethlehem, TS Galaxy in Mpumalanga, and various college academies in North West provide trial opportunities. Players from the Northern Cape often travel to Gauteng or the Western Cape for trials. SAFA regional structures in all these provinces run ABC Motsepe League and SAB Regional League competitions where scouts from bigger clubs regularly attend.

Age Requirements for Soccer Trials

Different trials accept different age groups. Here is a general guide:

Always bring your original ID document or birth certificate to trials. Some clubs also require a certified copy. For youth players (under 18), a parent or guardian may need to be present or provide written consent.

What to Expect at a Soccer Trial

Most professional soccer trials in South Africa follow a similar format:

1. Registration (30 min): Arrive early. You will register, provide your documents, and receive a number or bib.
2. Warm-up (15-20 min): Light jogging, stretching, and ball work led by coaches.
3. Fitness tests (20-30 min): Shuttle runs, sprints, and endurance tests to assess physical fitness.
4. Technical drills (30 min): Passing, shooting, dribbling, and positional exercises to evaluate skill.
5. Small-sided games (30-45 min): 5v5 or 7v7 matches where scouts observe game intelligence and decision-making.
6. Full match (optional): Some trials include an 11v11 match, especially for senior trials.
7. Selection: Successful players are usually contacted within 1-2 weeks. Some clubs announce results on the day.

A typical trial day lasts 2-4 hours. Large clubs may see hundreds of players at a single open trial, so standing out requires preparation and confidence. Do not be discouraged if you are not selected — many professional players were rejected multiple times before being signed.

Soccer Development Academies in South Africa

If you are not ready for professional trials or want to develop your skills further, consider joining a development academy:

• SAFA Regional Academies: The South African Football Association runs development academies in every province. These are free and accept players from age 12. Contact your nearest SAFA regional office for details.
• Transnet School of Excellence (Johannesburg): One of the top residential football academies in Africa. Accepts applications from talented U13-U17 players. Fully funded — covers education, accommodation, and training. Applications typically open August-October.
• School of Excellence, Giyani (Limpopo): Government-supported residential academy that combines education with football development. Has produced numerous professional players. Apply through SAFA Limpopo.
• Municipal Programmes: Many municipalities run free football development programmes during school holidays. Check with your local sports office or community centre.
• Private Academies: Numerous private academies operate across the country. Research carefully before paying fees — check for SAFA accreditation and speak to current or former players.

Frequently Asked Questions