By: Refilwe Sebola
Respected football mentor Musa Nkondo has resurfaced in the SAFA Vhembe Hollywoodbets League after taking charge of Makonde FC, where he is already leading a strong push for league honours.
Nkondo joined Makonde at the start of the current season after parting ways with ABC Motsepe League outfit Vondwe XI Bullets at the end of the previous campaign.
His move came after potential deals with several ABC Motsepe League sides failed to materialise.
The charismatic tactician, who once played professional football in the Premier Soccer League for Santos FC, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced coaches in the Vhembe region.
Nkondo has previously coached a number of teams, including Selwane White Vultures, whom he guided in their debut season in the ABC Motsepe League. Under his leadership, the club immediately became title contenders, competing strongly for the league championship in their first season at that level.
He later left White Vultures and joined Vondwe XI Bullets, where he once again proved his tactical ability by leading the side into the race for league honours. However, their title ambitions were dramatically derailed in the final stages of the season after a controversial boardroom decision resulted in the team losing crucial points.
Despite that setback, Nkondo’s reputation as a highly capable coach remained intact.
The former professional midfielder is also no stranger to the SAFA Vhembe Hollywoodbets League. It was here that he first built his name in coaching circles, famously guiding the now-defunct Emmanuel FC (Giyani) to promotion and leading Jamela-based Josy United to the Champ of Champs tournament on two occasions.
Since arriving at Makonde, Nkondo has wasted no time in stamping his authority. When he first joined the club they were sitting in fifth place, but under his guidance the team has surged to second position, placing them firmly in contention for the league title.
Nkondo believes his side has what it takes to go all the way.“I have a team of talented players who understand the kind of football I want them to play. We are still in the first half of the season and we stand a good chance of winning the league,” he said confidently.
The experienced coach also praised the reception he received from the Makonde family.
“The standard of the hospitality I received here is top class,” Nkondo added.
With momentum building and the team climbing the standings, Makonde supporters will be hoping that Nkondo’s winning touch can carry them to the top of the table and possibly secure league glory before the end of the season.