Bright future awaits Jomo Martin

Nkululeko (Jomo) Martin of NWU’s Mafikeng Campus has always been a talented soccer player. Now the man, who has been called a ‘dribbling wizard’, has been selected for a camp at Wits University to represent the national University Sports South Africa (USSA) team in Senegal later this year.

Jomo started playing soccer at the age of nine, and participated in his first major tournament at the age of eleven when playing for the Basotho Tigers of Kimberley in the prestigious U/12 Chappies Little League in Polokwane.

He represented the Northern Cape in all divisions and competitions, from the under twelve DANONE Cup to the Metropolitan Championship and the De Beer's Invitational Cup. He later joined City United where he played with the likes of Daniel (Bobo) Tlhageng, Surprise Ralani (who is currently playing in Sweden), and Samuel Julies of Sundowns.

After matriculating, Jomo joined NWU’s Soccer Institute, where he worked with decorated coaches such as Malombo Lechaba, Khulu Sibanyoni and the colourful Augustine Makalakalani. He has won two USSA gold medals and is now waiting to hear whether he’ll be a member of the national USSA team participating in Senegal in September.

Jomo, who’ll be graduating with a Sports Science Diploma in October, said: "I want to thank all the coaches who have worked with me, including Walter Steenbok, Lentekele (Sperman) September, Panyaza and Coach Spikes, for convincing me to join North-West University.

"Now I have an education as a back-up for my football career. There are some offers on the table but nothing concrete yet."