Jomo cares for young players
"Comfort is one of the dedicated people I've worked with and he is the heart of the team, because he is always hands-on with them,"
Coach Dumisani “Jomo” Malaza and his wife, Ms Gabsile Mahlaba, have dedicated their time, energy and efforts to making a difference in the lives of many young boys in a way they know too well: sport.
In their nine years of togetherness, their love of sport has been a big part of their being. Gabsile, a netball fanatic, has been a pillar of strength and support to her partner as he navigated various soccer landscapes.
Jomo, as he is popularly known, gained the nickname during his hey-day in Driefontein where it all started with Dragon Football Club and Highland Rocks.
After completion of secondary school in 1996, Jomo moved to eMbalenhle, Secunda where he played for Remember FC owned by Benjamin “Member” Sikhonde.
According to him, Benjamin was passionate about soccer and particularly about developing younger players, as he had players as young as 13.
In 1999 Jomo moved to Lenasia for his tertiary education, where he also started a development team with which he had a strong bond.
“When I started out with the young boys, I didn’t have any coaching experience, but a passion for taking care and looking after the young boys, so much so that it when the time came for me to leave Lenasia, I couldn’t tell them. I just told them I was visiting home for a few days, because I couldn’t bear the pain,” explained Jomo.
On his return to Ermelo, he went on to form a new team, Eleven Men, with his late brother, Vusi Malaza, and Sifiso “Twalatsa” Vilakazi, who also had a stint in the premier side team, Bid Vest.
In 2010, they began the Jomo U/15 winter tournament in their home town, Driefontein, played during school holidays. Jomo says in the six years of the tournament’s existence, it has attracted support from various teams that have been loyal in their attendance.
Jomo was also involved in the formation of the lower age groups in the Local Football Association, which tries to cater for younger players.
One of the players that was part of his development is Bongani Mbuli, who recently captained the Nedbank Ke Yona team and is currently on trial in the Absa Premiership team Baroka FC.
Jomo is grateful to all the parents who have trusted him to look after their children when they are attending soccer.
He would love to have the municipality and business people involved in revamping the soccer fields in order to assist players and members of the community interested in the game.
“Sport in general, not only soccer, plays a big role in shaping young people’s lives and keeping them away from all the wrong things,” said Jomo.
His wish is to grow in coaching and make a difference in many young people’s lives.
He also commended his assistant, Comfort “Spoko” Mokoena, whom he trusts with the team whenever he is not available.
“Comfort is one of the dedicated people I’ve worked with and he is the heart of the team, because he is always hands-on with them,” said Jomo.
He says coaching is not an easy task, but his commitment pulls him through. He wishes to have more players from Ermelo and the greater Msukaligwa Municipality succeeding and making a living from football.
