Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola is determined to use his experience in professional football to develop the next generation of South African players through ABC Motsepe League side ViaSport JBM FC.
Makola, who serves as the club’s head coach and one of its directors, says producing players for the professional ranks remains one of the biggest objectives of the club.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Makola admitted that he was disappointed with the 2-1 loss to RRR Rams but encouraged by the signs of improvement, particularly in the way his players approached the game.
Obviously disappointing result. But I think today, more than anything, I’m happy with the performance of the boys because we showed glimpses of how we play,” he said.
“I think this is something that I’ve been stressing about the past few games, where we lost the identity of our team and how we actually want to play. And I saw that today.”
He attributed the defeat to individual mistakes, with two goals conceded as a result of errors, but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects for the remainder of the season.
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Makola also opened up about his transition from professional football to coaching, admitting that taking up a coaching role was never part of his original plans after retirement.
It hasn’t been an easy transition because this is not my wish, to be honest with you. I didn’t think I was going to coach after football,” he explained.
“One thing that I wanted to do actually after football was stay away from football. Stay away from the game a bit longer. But I guess the game called me back.”
Despite the unexpected transition, his passion and love for football have helped him navigate the challenges of his new role.
The former midfielder, who came through the Asida Africa Sport academy under Harold Jesse Quinlohodi, said his own development journey and the success of players who emerged from the academy inspired him to give back to the game.
He pointed to former teammates and fellow academy graduates such as Oupa Manyisa and Patrick Phungwayo as examples of the opportunities that proper development can create.
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Makola believes his responsibility now is to help produce players who can make the step from the ABC Motsepe League into professional football.
Maybe for me to give back I just need to produce, try and fight and produce ready-made players in the ABC for PSL, and that’s the goal and that’s what we’re trying to achieve so far,” he said.
He revealed that ViaSport JBM has already helped at least seven players secure opportunities in professional football over the past three years, with one moving to the Betway Premiership and six joining clubs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
For Makola, however, the ambitions extend beyond developing footballers. He wants to turn ViaSport JBM into a professional club, with promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (NFD) among the long-term objectives.
The bigger vision obviously is to turn this team into a professional league. Hopefully we get to the NFD,” he said.
“People will look at it and be like they’re in the ABC (Motsepe League). But for me it’s more of job creation. And just believing in these boys and inspiring these boys that it’s possible.”
Makola also acknowledged the influence of several respected coaches he worked under during his playing career, including Quinlohodi, Steve Komphela and Rulani Mokwena.
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He said their emphasis on hard work, discipline and talent development continues to shape his coaching philosophy.
He believes there are no shortcuts to building a successful football structure and wants that mentality to be echo throughout the club, from the directors to the players.
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder also highlighted the financial and infrastructural challenges that come with running a club in the ABC Motsepe League.
However, he said ViaSport JBM has benefited from a relationship with a school that has provided the club with accommodation and infrastructure for the past three years.
Looking ahead, Makola wants to continue learning, obtain his coaching qualifications and share his knowledge with the players under his guidance.
One, I just need to get my badges. That’s one of the things that’s top of my list. Just share as much knowledge as I can and try to learn the process because we never stop learning, especially in the football space,” he concluded.
His ultimate ambition is to help ViaSport JBM become a pathway for emerging talent and produce the next generation of South African football stars.