During his heyday, Abia Nale was affectionately known as the 'Soul Provider' and the silky midfielder is living up to his nickname by providing the Glamour Boys, and others, with a number of youth players from his aspiring academy.
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Nale, 36, has enjoyed a career that spanned over 15 years.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2005, the Sebokeng-born star turned out for a number of clubs amongst them Golden Arrows, Chiefs, Ajax Cape Town, Black Aces and Maritzburg United.
He enjoyed success during his four-year stint with Chiefs which saw him lift the PSL title as well as the Telkom Knockout, in which he was a regular contributor.
His contribution to Amakhosi continues even post his playing days through his Nale Football Academy, which was established in 2009, whilst he was still active.
The academy is co-founded by Nale's brother and partner Zacharia, who is amongst the academy coaches.
Of the academy products that hail from the program, perhaps Lebohang Lesako is the most prominent. The 24-year-old was promoted to the Chiefs first team from their development in 2020.
He made six appearances for the Chiefs senior team in the 2020/21 season including a cameo appearance in the CAF Champions League. He spent the 2021/22 season out on loan at Uthongathi FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and the 2022/23 campaign out on loan at Swallows.
The likes of Mthokozisi Balakasi and Lehlohonolo Seheshe have featured for Chiefs' DStv Diski side, while Kgotso Nhlapo and Njabulo Hlongwane are part of the Glamour Boys' youth setup.
And it is not only Chiefs that Nale Academy is supplying. Kgosi Dithlakanayne, Karabo Poletsi, have turned out for the Mamelodi Sundowns U17 side.
