IF the adage hard work pays off was to be personified, it would be that of two soccer coaches who train Montclair based clubs.
Bhekumndeni “BK” Kunene, 35, and Mfundo Mzobe, 22, are the reason local sports grounds have seen some sterling football being played. They coach players of the Montclair Ramblers FC and Montwood United FC respectively.
Because these young sports fanatics’ passions lie within the game, it makes their teams’ successes only inevitable.
“I love sport in general. I am a church boy through and through. I love music, good music that is. I sing a little. I read a lot on sports and geography,” said BK who draws inspiration from the football legend, Brian Baloyi.
Mfundo on the other hand is fulfilled by the enjoyment, smiles and passion of the players and fans when they’re at the soccer field, calling it something very beautiful to see.
“One day I hope I’ll reach the level of being in a stadium full of fans cheering on my team. I love sport in general, my first love is football and my second love is cricket so I would love to be involved in cricket,” said Mfundo who is also the chairman of Montwood United FC.
“It’s difficult being a young chairman and coach because some people don’t take you seriously. Players will take you lightly but these are some of the stepping stones I need to go through in my journey of being a top coach one day and fulfilling my dream of putting Montwood United F.C on the map,” he added.
The two said they both prefer coaching over playing, even though they still enjoy playing. BK started out as a goalkeeper but now plays as a defender and occasionally plays as a striker when necessary.
Mfundo as a leftie, plays left back. They also cited faith as the backbones of their lives which keeps them grounded and growing in leaps and bounds.
“Coaching Montclair Ramblers FC is a highlight so far. I work with a bunch of incredible people. My other significant highlight was winning the AFM Durban Central tournament in 2010 with my previous football club.
“Coaching a football team at this level requires a lot of support from everyone around you. We train throughout the week and we play every Saturday and Sunday. It takes its toll on you and your family. The family needs to be on board to make it work,” said BK who says his family is everything to him and believes the sky is the limit.
Despite being a young chairman and coach, Mfundo said his family has taken his passion for soccer seriously and have supported him from day one
“I’ll forever appreciate their love and support. My dream is to take my club from amateur leagues right up to professional leagues where I aim to change South African football in a good way.
“In amateur football every cent spent comes from your own pocket which is very difficult if you don’t have a steady job. I’m very grateful to my mother for helping me financially at times,” he said.
While the season has ended, both coaches look forward to prosperous seasons in 2022. They pray for lockdown restrictions to not hinder training or games.
