SEDIBENG.- South African football has lost one of the legendary development coaches, Coach James “Akulalwa” Mabena.
Mabena, who was affectionately known as “Coach James” and spent two decades with School Excellence died at OR Tambo Hospital on Saturday.
Sedibeng Ster Sport received this sad news from Mabena’s colleagues at the School of Excellence on Saturday morning after suffering a short illness. Mabena was well known for his wonderful job at School Of Excellence produced great players for South African football. Some of the great players that Coach James worked with at School Of Excellence are Steve Pienaar, Keagan Dolly, Daine Klate, and Bernard Parker to mention but a few.
Relebogile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) and Siyabonga Mabena (Mamelodi Sundowns), are the latest players who came through Coach James’s hands. Apart from being a coach, Mabena played for Moroka Swallows.
Former Safa President Dr. Oliphant was one of the high-profile personalities who passed the condolences to Mabena’s family. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Dr. Oliphant said he knew Mabena during their playing days and that Mabena was a great player and played for Moroka Swallows, formerly Moroka Swallows Babies. Oliphant said that Mabena was a great left-back.
