ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
Ipswich Town’s academy has had an eventful week, with several young Blues gaining valuable international experience, a former academy coach beginning a new coaching adventure overseas, and reports linking the club with an exciting Senegalese prospect. From assists and captaincies on the international stage to recruitment activity and coaching developments, the academy continues to provide plenty of positive headlines both on and off the pitch.
Casement Begins New Role in Saudi Arabia
Former Ipswich Town academy coach Chris Casement has quickly moved into a new role after leaving Playford Road last week. The 38-year-old has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah as an individual development coach, working under fellow Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers.
Casement confirmed the news on LinkedIn and begins a fresh chapter following five years back at Town.
A product of the academy himself, Casement came through the ranks at Playford Road and was part of the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2005. He went on to make 14 senior appearances for the Blues before spells with Millwall, Hamilton, Wycombe, Dundee, Portadown and Linfield. After returning to Suffolk in 2021, Casement held coaching roles with the Under-16s, Under-18s and Under-21s, while also serving as the club’s loans manager.
His move to Saudi Arabia marks another impressive step in a coaching career that began at Town.
Atherton Continues To Shine for Ireland
Academy scholar Chris Atherton enjoyed another productive outing for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s at the Slovenian Nations Cup.
The midfielder, who joined Ipswich from Chelsea during the summer, started as Ireland drew 1-1 with Qatar and provided the assist for his side’s goal. Atherton cut the ball back for Almeria youngster Ramon Martos to score three minutes before half-time.
It was another positive contribution from the 17-year-old, who also registered an assist after coming off the bench during Ireland’s 5-0 victory over the Faroe Islands earlier in the week.
The appearance was his fifth at Under-19 level and further evidence of the progress he has continued to make since arriving at Playford Road. Goalkeeper Alex Noonan remains part of Noel Hunt’s squad but has yet to feature during the tournament itself.
The young stopper did complete the full 90 minutes during a pre-tournament friendly against England at St George’s Park. Ireland conclude their campaign against Azerbaijan on Sunday.
Town Linked With Senegalese Prospect
Ipswich have reportedly taken a closer look at highly-rated Senegalese defender Serigne Afia Ndao. The 16-year-old centre-half, who currently plays for Dakar-based Be Sport Academy, is said to have spent time training with both Ipswich and Crystal Palace.
Reports in Senegal claim several clubs are monitoring his development, including Newcastle United, Wolves, Burnley, Benfica and Saudi outfit Al-Qadsiah. Ndao has attracted considerable attention due to his height, physical presence and ability in possession.
Town Under-18s coach Mark Robinson is reported to have been among those impressed by the youngster during his time at the club. The defender is also expected to be involved with Senegal at this year’s Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Mthunzi Captains Zimbabwe
The young centre-back captained Zimbabwe’s Under-23 side as they secured a 2-0 victory over Mauritius in the first leg of their CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. It was a significant milestone for the defender, who was making his first appearance at Under-23 level despite already having represented Zimbabwe’s senior side on four occasions.
Zimbabwe travel for the second leg next Tuesday, with the winners progressing to face Mali in the next round. The competition also serves as part of the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Mthunzi’s continued progress comes after an encouraging pre-season in which he spent significant time with the Ipswich first-team squad and featured in friendlies against FC Cartagena, Osasuna and Oxford United.