• Raymond Mdaka’s coaching career started with criticism and doubt, but he now has a historic trophy.

• He’s now building a legacy through his school tournament and dreams of better football careers.

Raymond Mdaka took a huge risk when he quit teaching to focus on football. But after guiding South Africa’s under-20 team to win the Africa Cup of Nations, the whole country is celebrating him.

Amajita beat Morocco 1–0 in Egypt on Sunday night to lift the trophy. Just a few months ago, Mdaka also led the team to victory at the COSAFA Under-20 Championship, where they beat Zambia 2–0 in Mozambique.

Mdaka grew up in Mokgwathi Village in the Bolobedu area, Limpopo. He is the sixth of nine children and started playing football for local amateur teams from a young age.

After matriculating at Gwambeni High School, he studied teaching at Giyani College of Education. But even while teaching, he stayed involved in football development programmes. He later became a qualified assessor, moderator and facilitator in the sport.

“To me, it did not seem as if I was entirely resigning from teaching, as my roles in soccer included teaching and training. There were lots of talks and judgement, but my family supported me,” he said.

Mdaka has worked with several teams over the years. He was part of the technical teams at Pillars and Dynamos, and also the head coach at Marumo Gallants.

Next month, the Raymond Mdaka Foundation will host its annual tournament for primary schools. Sixteen football and sixteen netball teams are expected to compete.

Mdaka says he chose to focus on primary schools because he believes in youth development. He wants to help build careers for young players and leave a legacy in South African football.

The winning coach says teamwork is key to Amajita’s success.

“I’m beyond proud and honoured to have led our incredible young warriors to victory at the U-20 AFCON! This triumph is not just a win on the field. This trophy belongs to every young dreamer out there who dares to chase greatness, and to every community that nurtures those dreams,” he said.

Pictured above: Raymond Mdaka.

Image source: Supplied