Former Orlando Pirates star Tebogo Tlolane credits his footballing career to none other than Jomo Sono, affectionately known as “Bra J.”
Tlolane’s path to success was not always clear, facing uncertainty both on and off the field.
Born in Johannesburg, he found himself at a crossroads, needing to transition from the second division to the first division to pursue his football dreams.
Discovery on the Field
Tlolane’s encounter with Sono proved to be a turning point in his career trajectory.
Playing for Pirates’ feeder team, he caught Sono’s attention during a friendly match against Jomo Cosmos.
Within a mere 10 minutes of gameplay, Tlolane’s talent shone through, prompting Sono to take notice and offer him an opportunity at Cosmos, a move that would set the stage for his journey in professional football.
A Life-Changing Moment
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Tlolane recalls how Sono’s swift recognition of his potential altered the course of his life.
Despite playing against Cosmos’ Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) side, Tlolane’s performance caught the eye of Sono, who wasted no time in inviting him to train with the first team.
This opportunity marked the beginning of a mentorship and fatherly bond between Tlolane and Sono, transcending the confines of player-coach dynamics.
Gratitude and Respect
For Tlolane, Sono is not just a coach but a father figure in football, whose keen eye and quick judgment transformed his destiny in a matter of minutes.
He acknowledges Sono’s unique ability to recognize talent and sees their relationship as more than just a player-coach dynamic.
It’s a testament to Sono’s intuition and insight, which shaped Tlolane’s career and instilled in him a profound sense of gratitude and respect.
Looking Ahead
As Tlolane continues his football journey with Golden Arrows, he carries with him the lessons learned from Sono and the enduring impact of their bond.
Their next game presents an opportunity for Tlolane to showcase his skills and honor the legacy of his footballing father, Jomo Sono.
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