When you think of the greatest South African footballers of all-time, the names of Doctor Khumalo, Themba Zwane, Teko Modise, John 'Shoes' Moshoeu, and Benni McCarthy are usually part of the conversation.
Generally, football fans who got the chance to witness Jomo Sono during his heydays for Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos in South Africa, would argue that ‘The Black Prince’ stands heads and shoulders above the rest.
Sono’s influence on the game did not stop when he hung up his boots as he went on to establish himself as a leading talent scout on the continent.
Sono’s nurturing hands brewed a number of South African footballers including Bafana Bafana’s 2010 Fifa World Cup captain Aaron Mokoena, three-time Caf Champions League winning coach Pitso Mosimane, 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions Mark Williams andHelman Mkhalele, just to name a few.
The 69-year-old also called the shots for South Africa in the 2002 Fifa World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Sono enjoyed a celebrated career and he is widely regarded as the best South Africans to kick a football having shared the stage with Brazilian legend Pele, whose name is a prominent feature in the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate.
In recognition of Sono’s contribution to Mzansi football, Pirates retired the jersey No.10 in his honour, which has been a hot topic in recent weeks.
Pirates No.10 squad number may not be used in local football, but is available in African inter-club cup competitions.
Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has been allocated the kit number in the Caf Champions League, and as the rightful owner of the famous No.10, Sono was asked whether it was time to reinstate it locally.
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Sono, however, took a swipe at ‘Tito’, suggesting that it may not be prudent to have his squad number used in South African football, saying he has not been convinced that the heir to the No10 is yet to be found.
Recently, Sono bagged a new sponsorship for Ezenkosi and spoke about his intentions to return to the Betway Premiership as Cosmos now ply their trade in the third tier.
This Saturday, Sono will be in conversation with Hollywoodbets powered Game On! where he is expected to elaborate on his thoughts about the Pirates coveted No.10 jersey and share his views on the top-flight and discuss matters of the ABC Motsepe League.
Sono’s interview with veteran broadcaster and football commentator Sizwe Mabena will be aired on SABC1 at 14:00.
