Former Bafana Bafana and Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has landed an exciting new role with the esteemed Right to Dream Academy.
Right to Dream is a global football community dedicated to identifying and developing talented young student-athletes through its network of world-class academies, professional football clubs, and educational partners. Operating fully funded academies in Ghana, Denmark, Egypt, and the United States, Right to Dream provides equal access to opportunity for both boys and girls, regardless of background.
Owned by Man Capital LLP, a global independent investment firm founded by Sir Mohamed Mansour, chairman, and his son Loutfy Mansour, CEO, Right to Dream is committed to providing a unique, integrated development pathway that combines elite professional football training with a comprehensive education for all its student-athletes.
More than 100 graduates are currently playing professional football, while over 100 others have earned scholarships to leading schools and universities in the US and UK – where fortune has now joined as the Assistant Coach of it’s International Academy.
An elite U18 squad, the IA brings together the most talented players from Right to Dream’s four academies in Ghana, Denmark, Egypt, and the US. Designed as a bridge between academy football and the professional game, the program exposes players to elite international competition, diverse cultures, and high-performance environments.
Fortune brings a wealth of experience into this environment. Competing at the highest level of the game, he featured in two FIFA World Cups and spent seven seasons at Manchester United. Since retiring from professional football in 2010, he has transitioned into coaching, earning his qualifications and gaining experience across clubs and federations on several continents.
The former South African international has already begun working with the IA squad in Denmark and will soon travel with the group for a training camp in Spain, continuing the program’s emphasis on global exposure and holistic development.
His connection with Right to Dream began more than a year ago during a visit to Denmark, where he spent time at FC Nordsjælland, part of the Right to Dream community. That visit offered a first-hand insight into the values and culture that define Right to Dream across its academies and clubs.
“I visited FC Nordsjælland in Denmark 18 months ago, and the people and the humility I met there, I have never seen anything like it. They were so open, sharing knowledge and principles. It’s not normal in football, and it was amazing to experience,” Fortune said.
“I loved everything about the environment, and I knew I’d like to work with Right to Dream, and their clubs and academies, one day when the time was right. That time is now, and I feel amazing to be joining such an organisation.
“I am still a young coach, and my dream is to be a manager in the future, but the environment in Right to Dream is perfect for me now.”
The program, which supports player development on and off the pitch, resonates with Fortune on a personal level. Having left home at a young age to pursue his own football dream, he brings a lived understanding of the challenges many IA players face as they navigate new countries, cultures, and environments. That shared background and experience enables him to connect with, inspire, and guide the young players in the program.
“I myself was the one kid in a million when someone saw my talent as a young boy in Cape Town and made it possible for me to chase my dream as a footballer. We never had a program like Right to Dream to give us the opportunity, and I can’t wait to be part of it myself and to give something back to those young talented players.
“I’ve been in their shoes and can relate to them. I left my country and my family as a boy, and I know what they go through and how their dreams can drive them towards their goals if they get the proper guidance and help.”
Over the years, the IA has supported the journeys of players who have gone on to represent their national teams and play in top leagues worldwide, including Premier League footballers Simon Adingra and Patrick Dorgu.
Within this established development pathway, Fortune views Right to Dream—recognised as the Best Academy in the World at the Globe Soccer Awards in 2025— as a place of learning and growth for himself as a coach.
“I’m coming to give my experience and knowledge to the kids, but also to learn myself as a coach. The opportunity to work with some of the best young players in the world and learn from some of the best coaches and leaders in the world, is just an amazing opportunity for me.”
Welcoming Fortune to the organisation, Head of Football Mads Davidsen emphasised both his footballing and personal qualities, highlighting the value of his experience beyond the pitch.
“We are very happy to have Quinton joining us. We got to know him when he visited us more than a year ago, and since then we knew, that Quinton would be a good fit for us with his experience, values, and personality,” Davidsen stated,.
“We believe he is not just a good coach, with a bright future in coaching, but also a strong character with a big heart. His experience in football and life will be a massive help and asset for our young players in RTD for them to be able to reach their dreams and potential.”
