Academy

ACADEMY PROFILE 

Jomo Cosmos Academy is a Non Profit development wing of the professional side of Jomo Cosmos FC founded in 2001.

This organization promotes fitness, good sportsmanship, self-esteem and teamwork in our youth between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Furthermore the academy aims at extending sporting and cognitive skills to talented, young soccer players from previously disadvantaged communities so that they too can get a chance at uplifting themselves, their families and their communities.

Our Academy consists of more than 100 talented kids with coaches and volunteers who previously played football. Most of our footballers still attend school. The organization provides for their accommodation, education and transportation.

OUR VISION
To sustain and educate the youth through football

OUR MISSION
To unearth and develop young talent

• Jomo Cosmos is a well-established brand that has played a remarkable role in the history of South Africa.
• Jomo Cosmos was built on the principles of Ubuntu, Community and Talent development. We pride ourselves on producing the best footballers in this country.

We are committed to continue, “creating legends” throughout South Africa

NOTABLE FORMER JOMO COSMOS PLAYERS

• Jomo “Black Prince” Sono (South Africa)
• Mark Fish (South Africa)
• Philemon ‘Chippa’ Masinga (South Africa)
• Thomas Madigage (South Africa)
• Helman Mkhalele (South Africa)
• Aaron ‘Mbazo’ Mokoena (South Africa)
• Teboho Mokoena (South Africa)
• Manuel ‘Tico-Tico’ Bucuane (Mozambique)
• Andrew Rabutla (South Africa)
• Thabang Molefe (South Africa)
• Pitso Mosimane (South Africa)
• Katlego ‘Killer’ Mphela (South Africa)
• Nkosinathi “Chippa” Nhleko (South Africa)
• Maimane Phiri (South Africa)
• Macbeth “Kheto” Sibaya (South Africa)
• Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda (Malawi)
• Russell Mwafulirwa (Malawi)
• Benjani Mwaruwari (Zimbabwe)
• Ayo Oluwafemi (Nigeria)
• Valery Nahayo (Burundi)

FAMOUS PLAYERS PRODUCED BY JOMO COSMOS ACADEMY

Bamuza Eric Sono, Midfielder
Played more than 300 Official matches for Jomo Cosmos Senior team, and won a few International Caps for South Africa

Stephen Ayodele Makinwa (L), Striker
Former SS Lazio and Nigeria national team striker; played for Jomo Cosmos U19 side at the Tournoi International Youth Tournament in Viareggio, Italy in 2000.

Katlego Mphela, Striker
Played for Jomo Cosmos U19 in his early years, and later had a brief spell with French side Lille FC. Starred for South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Thabang Molefe, Defender

Capped 20 times by South Africa at International level, played for Jomo Cosmos U19 side at the annual youth soccer tournament in Viareggio, Italy in 2000. Had a stint with French side Rennes and also starred for Orlando Pirates before hanging up his boots.

Ayo Oluwafemi, Left Back
Nurtured at the Jomo Cosmos Academy from the age of 16, went on to star for Ezenkosi’s Senior Side before transferring his skills to University of Pretoria FC, Platinum Stars, Zesco United FC of Zambia, and lately Highlands Park FC.

 

Matsilele Junior Sono, Attacking midfielder

Youngest product of the Sono soccer dynasty; nurtured at the Jomo Cosmos Academy from the tender age of 8. Graduated to play in the senior team after passing through the various age categories in flying colours. Now approaching a century of appearances for Ezenkosi.

FOUNDER’S PROFILE

• The founder, CEO and Head Coach, Dr. E.M. ‘Jomo’ Sono, is synonymous with all that is good about the sport both nationally and internationally.
• He has won every major title in South African soccer as a player, coach and administrator.
• He was Technical Advisor for the 2010 World Cup.
• He coached Bafana Bafana in South Korea for the Four Nations Cup where they were crowned champions in 2002.
• Ambassador of South Africa in 2010 for the World Cup.
• FIFA technical committee member.
• Voted 3^rd best coach in Africa in 1998.
• In 2000 he was voted South African Footballer of the Century by Radio Metro and Sowetan via a voting poll.
• Gauteng Champions in 2003.
• In 2004 won the Rajah Cup when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0.
• Jomo Sono was voted 49^th in the Top 100 Great South Africans in 2004
• Johnnie Walker – Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 2013
• In 2016, he was awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of Dubai and London Graduate School.
• 2018 – Recognized by Ekurhuleni Municipality for his “Immense Contribution to Soccer” over the years.