Training the next "Ronaldo"  

While there is still no soft grass field on which to practice, the enthusiasm from coaches and students remains palpable. 

Joseph explains why love of the game can conquer all. "In [Cameroon], children are trained in the street, or on mud fields. The training equipment is much worse. But as long as you love it, the difficulties are nothing."

After practicing kungfu at the training base for two years, 11-year-old Zou Guoxiang from Guizhou Province was selected for the team. "I am really very happy to be chosen and my father always asks me to practice hard," he said. "Our coach [Joseph] is very patient. I've learned how to pass and dribble the ball. My dream for when I grow up is to play in the World Cup."

Joseph's main task is to find gifted children and develop their interest in soccer. "For those children, the most important thing is to foster their love of the game rather than teaching them every skill. I will teach them everything they need in the future," he said.

Joseph is also appreciative of what kungfu brings to the sport of soccer. "With kungfu as the solid foundation, the [children's] bodies are flexible and agile, and they learn things fast," he said. This base allows him to focus on teaching the students how to enjoy the game itself.

The soccer school is very satisfied with their chief coach's work. "Joseph has quickly adapted to the environment," said his colleague Cai. "His teaching methods have won him popularity among students. When there are no training classes, students love to visit him at his dorm. They are more like friends."

Cameroon's national team is one of the world's top soccer teams, and the school knew that hiring Joseph brings advanced soccer concepts and skills to Songshan. Shi believes that, combined with Chinese kungfu, Joseph's training will help keep Chinese soccer geared to international standards.

The school's setup was supported by the local government and various soccer groups including the Chinese Football Association. Apart from sending 1,000 soccer balls to the school and sponsoring sportswear, they also sent two assistant coaches to help Joseph.

In an interview with Henan Business Daily, Xu Jichun, Deputy Secretary General of Henan Football Association, talked about the school's importance. "The national and provincial soccer associations pay special attention to the school. The combination of Shaolin kungfu and soccer explores a new method of soccer training. This creative attempt may bear fruit and should be encouraged," he was quoted as saying.

Xu believes that to cultivate excellent soccer players, good coaches, well-equipped facilities and players' abilities are indispensable. "Children who practice kungfu can endure hardship and work hard; their physical condition [in terms of] coordination, explosive force and strength are usually better," he said.

The Dengfeng Municipal Government has allocated 66 hectares of land next to the training base for the soccer school. Speaking of its future plans, Shi says the school will select top players and form a school team that can participate in provincial and national competitions. The more ambitious goal, though, is "to train our own 'Ronaldo.'" Their hopes are pinned on Joseph. If he can help to bring Chinese soccer into the international arena alongside the likes of powerhouses Brazil, Argentina and the Netherlands, his legacy will last long in the Middle Kingdom.