Matsobane “Lolo” Maruma says his Sisonke football legacy is a catalyst for social cohesion.
WHEN sports stars retire from active play; they don’t choose euthanasia or give up on the lap of a physiotherapist.
Matsobane Maruma; affectionately known as “Lolo” in football circles; chose coaching.
He defied local football politics and established the Sisonke Football Club at Third House sections of Zone 2 in Seshego.
Maruma says after hanging his boots due to old age; he formulated the idea of gathering youngsters from the neighbourhood to form a team of novelty acts.
His mission to form a football team wasn’t easy in a vast township ravaged by substance abuse and other social ills.
“I wasn’t happy witnessing so many social ills happening in our areas. The youth of today is preoccupied with so many things that often lead them astray. So; I chose to take them away from the notorious streets by giving them some purpose in life. As a sport fanatic; I identified football as a catalyst for social cohesion. Hence I established Sisonke FC.
“It wasn’t easy to amass these boys, but through perseverance and dedication; I surpassed myriad barriers to convinced parents and the community in its entirety about the significance of sport as part of wellness and a healthy lifestyle;” says Maruma.
Last year; Maruma mobilised several stakeholders to host an annual tournament that will bring together youngsters to compete in the event.
He says the turnaround at the Steel Firm fields was a resounding success and motivated them to host future editions.
“We invited nearby clubs; targeting under 20 age groups. These age groups are very vital for the future. You nourish their talents from their formative years while they are still in their primary schools; and by the time they are at secondary; they have matured enough as seniors;” he says.
Maruma says the 2026 edition of Sisonke FC Youth Tournament has provided them with a glimmer of hope for future events; including a netball tourney.