TZANEEN – Greater Tzaneen Municipality Mayor Gerson Molapisane welcomed Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka with a hero’s homecoming on Thursday, June 12, in recognition of his recent football triumph.

Mdaka, who hails from Mokgwathi village outside Tzaneen, led South Africa’s u/20 national football team to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt last month. The team secured their title after a thrilling semi-final win over Nigeria and a 1–0 triumph against Morocco in the final, held in Cairo.

Their Afcon success has also earned them a spot in the Fifa u/20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile this September.

To celebrate Mdaka’s achievement, Molapisane gifted him R35 000, expressing hope that the funds would support the Raymond Mdaka Foundation’s upcoming annual soccer and netball tournament in Mokgwathi later this month. The homecoming festivities began with a celebratory parade from Letaba Showgrounds to the Tzaneen Taxi Rank, culminating in an official ceremony at the municipal offices.

“We celebrate you, Coach, for putting the Tzaneen flag on the map,” said Molapisane. “We also want to thank your wife, who made many sacrifices for the family. Ma Mdaka, you were the head of the family when the soldier was out at war, we celebrate you too.”

Molapisane added that he may travel to Chile later this year to support the team.

Vincent Ramphago, president of the SAFA in Mopani, praised Mdaka as a role model for other coaches. “He has set an example of excellence and commitment,” Ramphago said.

In his response, Mdaka expressed gratitude to the mayor, his family, and the community for their unwavering support and prayers.

“It feels good to be honoured at home while you are still alive,” he said. “You may not be the coach of Bafana Bafana, but other countries are taking notice of your work.”

Mdaka’s wife, Agnes, shared with the Herald that she supported his decision to leave teaching for full-time coaching because of his deep passion for football.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey,” she said. “But through it all, we’ve seen the hand of God.”