MEET THE TEAM

Dimitri Athanasopoulos
Founder & Managing Director – Cascais City FC

Dimitri Athanasopoulos is the Founder and Managing Director of Cascais City FC, bringing over 15 years of experience in football development, coaching leadership, and sports management across South Africa and Europe. As a seasoned Technical Director, Dimitri has led elite-level football programs, developed grassroots talent pathways, and driven high-performance standards for youth and senior players alike. Prior to establishing Cascais City FC, he founded Jacoba Academy NPC — a pioneering football institution in Johannesburg dedicated to social development through sport. Dimitri holds multiple coaching certifications, including SAFA and UEFA coursework, and has consulted for national teams and regional federations. His vision for Cascais City FC is clear: to build a competitive, values-driven football club that nurtures talent and inspires the community.

Shawn Bishop
Co-Founder & Partner | Head of Methodology & Coaching – Cascais City FC

Shawn Bishop is a UEFA A Licensed coach and internationally respected performance strategist with over 15 years of experience in youth development and elite football. As Co-Founder of Cascais City FC, he oversees the club’s technical identity and coaching curriculum. Shawn spent over a decade at Mamelodi Sundowns FC as Academy Manager and Head of Methodology, playing a key role in shaping one of Africa’s top development programs. He has worked with South Africa’s U17, U20, and senior national teams, and most recently served as Head of Methodology at Al-Ettifaq FC in the Saudi Pro League. Holding a UEFA A Licence, Shawn is committed to advancing coaching standards and player development methodologies. His leadership at Cascais City FC is instrumental in cultivating a high-performance culture and nurturing the next generation of football talent.