Kwa-Thema – Zimisele Secondary School learner Ayabonga Nxumalo (18) is known as Coach Jobe on the soccer field because of his passion for coaching and imparting soccer skills.
His loving grandmother raised him under financial constraints, but her love was nothing short of amazing and motivational.
His uncle, Mandisa Ntshangase, a former player for Ace Auto Ayoba Academy, instilled Nxumalo’s love for soccer in him.
He said his uncle fueled him with passion, motivation, and courage – recognising the potential in him even when he could not see it himself.
“Coach Lulama Masehla and my uncle introduced me to my late coach Sello Mawane, the chairperson of Junior Spinners FC,” he said.
This is where Nxumalo’s undying passion for soccer started – when he was nine years old.
“Coach Mawane guided me through every aspect of football and life. One day, when he was not feeling well, he asked me to coach his team. As nervous and clueless as I was, I did my best, and the team won that match,” he added.
At a tender age, Nxumalo coached a team that successfully completed a match, and from that moment, he never looked back. He has been a soccer player ever since.
“I started playing for Junior Spinners in 2015. Benfica FC scouted me during my participation in the Gauteng Development League.
“In 2021, I made my debut against Doornkop Students, which we lost 5-1. In 2022, I joined Ratanda Fast Eleven and represented Khanya Lesedi Secondary School, where I won my first trophy and a gold medal.
“Last season, I went to Moroka Swallows Development for assessment, and they accepted me during my second week. I began taking coaching seriously earlier this year because of my injuries,” he said.
Apart from his injuries, Nxumalo mentioned he wanted to revive the spirit of good soccer that his late coach instilled in him at a young age.
“Mawane inspired me in every way – from how he treated his players, how he carried himself, to the respect and love he had for soccer. He believed in me, and that alone was enough to me,” mentioned Nxumalo.
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He looks up to the following coaches:• Lulama Masehla – U19 head coach of Kathorus Hyper Academy
• Tshidiso Letsholonyane – U17 Kaizer Chiefs head coach
• Joseph Duku-Duku Makhanya – U23 head coach of Diski Challenge for Orlando Pirates
• Rulani Mokwena – head coach of Wydad Casablanca
• Pep Guardiola – head coach of Manchester City.
Nxumalo has received mentorship from several individuals, including his uncle, and strongly believes in following rules and regulations. He always teaches his players to obey instructions and treat one another with respect.
According to him, the following skills are essential tools for effective coaching:• Tactical awareness – teach players to understand games, strategies and techniques
• Celebrate small achievements – build confidence and motivation
• Set clear rules and expectations – make sure players know what is expected of them in terms of behaviour, effort and performance
• Private conversation – address behaviour issues or mistakes privately to avoid embarrassment.
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Nxumalo was crowned coach of the year in Nomndayi’s Community Games tournament last year.
“A moment that made me proud as a coach was when my U15 team won a tournament on April 21,” he said.
He said his players often think he is strict because of his methods, but he is actually loving, caring and approachable.
“I love all my players equally and show respect. I encourage players to learn, grow and develop. I ensure players feel comfortable and supported. I want them to achieve personal goals, build strong relationships, and develop important life skills,” he explained.
He hopes as a coach to have an impact that will last on players beyond soccer. He aims to teach all his players valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline and communication that will benefit them in all aspects of life.
“In the next three to four years, I aspire to obtain a coaching licence and coach development teams within the Gauteng Development League,” he concluded.
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