Basso Honored

Steel City Chairman Ivaldo Basso was honored by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Section 14.  Basso was recognized for Steel City's work amplifying the high school game. Section 14 represents the coaches of nearly 50 high schools in the Steel City nation area. 

Steel City, the area's preeminent pre-professional team has served the high school game like no other semi-pro side. Its staff of volunteers has produced the Steel City High School Challenge - a series of matches pitting area rivals under the lights at Slammers Stadium prior to Steel City matches.

Also, the club architected Steel City Academy focused on high school players readying themselves for the college level. Academy is a May-July program whereby elite high schoolers can train with Steel City coaches and test themselves at a college level by playing in a Under-23 league.

December (Joliet) - Vincent Mkhwanazi and Nigel Dillard were the architects of Steel City's player recruitment and style of play since the club's founding three years ago and the club has announced that each professional is assuming an expanded role in 2024.

First, Mkhwanazi is named Steel City's Director of Coaching. As DOC, Vince will provide guidance and mentorship to Steel City's coaches and place energy towards our club's broader initiatives in the areas of competition, facilities, and expanded men and women's platforms, among other priorities. Coach Vince is the only coach Steel City ever had, leading the black-and-red through its inaugural three seasons while the team compiled the third most wins in the circuit. Mkhwanazi was 12-8-8 in the Midwest Premier League, guiding the team to a 3rd place finish in 2021.

Second, Nigel Dillard is named Head Coach of Steel City's First Team. Known as "The Minister of Defense" while patrolling Steel City's back-line during the teams first three seasons, Dillard had also served as the team's assistant coach and player recruitment coordinator.

"This is great for our club and the future of Steel City," said Sporting Director Mark Powell. "Vince can continue to shape and progress the club's vision and Nigel's transition from playing to head coach is seamless I look for a lot of good things to come from these two leaders," continued Powell.