Johannesbrug - Jomo Sono, even when he’s joking, speaks in a matter-of-fact manner that could dupe you into taking his jokes seriously or think he is joking when he is being serious.
He wasn’t joking when he said there are no star players at Jomo Cosmos. You see, the man nicknamed the Black Prince doesn’t sign stars but prefers producing them. Looking across the country, almost every club has benefited from Sono, who takes rough diamonds, polishes them until they shine for everyone to see.
Mamelodi Sundowns have coach Pitso Mosimane and Anthony Laffor, Bidvest Wits have Siyabonga Nhlapo, at Kaizer Chiefs it’s Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Tshidiso Tukane at Mpumalanga Black Aces…
You can go all the way down the log just to see how much influence Sono has had, be it past or present players. That’s why he was able to get the best out of the “unknowns”, as he calls them, who stunned Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium, after his “superstars” were smashed 5-0 by Orlando Pirates in the previous match. Sono dropped eight players from that defeat to field a squad full of “unknowns” playing in the first division not so long ago. “I don’t believe in superstars,” Sono said.
“I have been like that my entire (coaching) career. I believe in players. I don’t like a superstar because sometimes they don’t pick up like they didn’t pick up against Pirates. (Mpho) Makola went through my ‘superstars’ and scored. I am not a believer of superstars. That’s why I said, ‘stay at home and we’ll see you when we come back’.”
Sono will continue with most of his “unknowns” when Cosmos take on Pirates for the third time this season. This time around, it will be in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at Olen Park Stadium on Sunday when the Buccaneers returned home with a 1-0 defeat courtesy of Charlton Mashumba in the league.
The Zimbabwean forward is among the rough diamonds Sono polished to a point that there was interest for his services abroad and at Sundowns. Sono managed to retain his services after he helped the club win promotion to the Premier Division.
Mashumba will lead the attack because the “unknowns” struggled to penetrate Amakhosi, needing a sucker- punch to get the job done. But as much as the attack will need to be bolstered, Sono’s first challenge will be to strengthen the defence that was beaten five times by Pirates. Cheslyn Jampies and Sipho Mngomezulu aren’t available, both serving suspension.
It will be up to Burundi international Frederic Nsabiyumva to keep Bucs at bay. Sono spotted the defender during the African Championship of Nations (CHAN) in 2014 played in South Africa. He is looking to polish him and turn Nsabiyumva to an important asset like he did with his countryman, Valery Nahayo. “Bra J is one of the best coaches I have worked with in my life,” Nsabiyumva said.
“He is a very good motivator. He is like a father figure, who helps players grow. He has produced many players who have shined in South Africa and went on to play overseas. “If you listen to him, you will go far in your football career. “
Sono’s Best Protégé XI: Avril Phali, Sizwe Motaung, Mark Fish, Aaron Mokoena, MacBeth Sibaya, Linda Buthelezi, Anthony Laffor, Helman Mkhalele, Phil Masinga, Chris Katongo, Benjani Mwaruwaru Coach: Pitso Mosimane
Saturday Star