Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs striker Edward Jabu Manqele is giving back to his community, contributing to youth football development in Krugersdorp.
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The former Free State Stars striker had to retire early due to a knee injury, and has taken it upon himself to help develop talent in his community. The Siya crew caught up with him and asked him why there are no longer players coming out of Randfontein, whereas in the past this town produced players like Donald "Ace" Khuse, Oupa "Ace" Manyisa, Ben Motshwari, Makhehlene Makhaula and himself.
"Good question (laughs). Now, I'm busy with young boys as a coach, of course.
"It's a team I started with someone because we want to see them at the highest level also like us. Well, the boys decided to name the team Hlokoloza FC (laughs)."
"Mostly, I have Under-23s then maybe three-quarter over-age players. We still building. It's a long way to go and we also hoping to produce some professional teams," he said.
"Back to the Randfontein question, my wish is to see more scouts, especially during the tournaments that are being hosted because there's too much talent, my brother.
"But, because no one is scouting them that's why there are not much players from Mohlakeng, as you said, because what we lack is having scouts.
"For example, in Soweto, how many players go to professional teams? And, the last time we were talking about photographers how they market players especially the ones from Soweto.
"Why can't we have that in other locations because the talent we have is too much and they just need to be spotted, then nurtured and that's what I have embarked on now to assist the young talented players from our community.
"The only other problem we face is to find sponsors who can help with playing equipment. You know, for now we buy everything on our own and we don't have everything we need. But, we have talent that we need to develop here. All we are asking for is support from the people out there," the former South Africa striker concluded.
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