The association of former soccer greats in the Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape (EC), Ex-professional Footballers Association was formed to unite former professional players in this province and to contribute to the development of the game and sports in general. The initiative was started in 2018, with a small number of former stars from this province, but since then, the number has grown as former players showed a keen interest in the project. Remember the former soccer stars from this province to mention just few, the likes of Vusumzi Yashe former Umtata Bucks keeper, Samkelo Jam-Jam former Cosmos player, Anele Zibi, Bulelani Mtobela, Phumlani Mhamha, Mongezi Malashe, Mongi Rula, Tabiso Msongelwa, Mzuvukile Tom, Mzawuthethi Nogwaza, Hlela Nkompela and many more form part of this initiative.
Former Bush Bucks midfielder Mzunani ‘Mara’ Mgwigwi stressed that their mission was also shaping up the youth for a better future and fighting against the social ills, seeking to have a greater impact in the communities across the province. The association is appealing to business sector and government departments like Department of Education and Department of Sport Recreation Arts and Culture to assist, so that they can be able to fulfill their goals of passing their knowledge to the next generation. These legends are also intending to plough back the knowledge and skills to the community and schools through conducting coach-clinics and organizing of exhibition games. “We also want to adopt schools in the Eastern Cape, where we can be able to conduct those coaching clinics on a regular basis”, said Vusumzi Yashe.
Meanwhile, these ex professional players reminded the soccer fanatics about their skills in the field of play when they took part in Nomcamba locality during the Kiwa media annual tournament, where they were tussling with McKay Lawyers. Ex-Pros won the game by one goal to nil and the scorer was Mzawuthethi Nogwaza.
