In the world of football, it is often said that there are two types of coaches: those who have been sacked and those who will be sacked. But the case of Jomo Sono is quite different.
The 70-year-old South African is considered the world’s longest-serving coach, having spent 32 years at the helm of Jomo Cosmos – and there is no sign of him leaving anytime soon.
The reason is simple: he is simultaneously the coach, president and owner of the club.
From poverty to football legend
Born Ephraim Matsiele Sono in Orlando East, he faced a very difficult childhood. After the death of his father and abandonment by his mother, he was raised by his grandparents and worked from a young age to survive, selling apples and peanuts.
His football career began by chance at Orlando Pirates, where he quickly showed his talent as an excellent dribbler and passer.
From America to his club and the impact he had
In 1977, he moved to the USA to the New York Cosmos, where he had the opportunity to play alongside the legend Pelé.
After this experience and financial gains, Sono bought the Highlands Park club in 1982, renaming it Jomo Cosmos – inspired by the American team he had played for.
Through his club, Sono focused on developing talent from rural areas. Some of the players he discovered and developed, such as Philemon Masinga, Helman Mkhalele and Mark Fish, went on to have great careers and even played in Europe.
He also played a role in the South African national team, serving as interim coach at various times and as an advisor to the team’s 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
32 years on the bench – and no end in sight
Since 1994, Sono has officially been the coach of Jomo Cosmos, while in practice he has controlled every aspect of the club since its founding.
Although the club now competes in the lower tiers of South African football, it continues to be at the top. During this period, Cosmos has won domestic league and cup titles, with its most successful period coming in the early 2010s.
In the end, Jomo Sono’s story is unique: a coach who cannot be fired, because the only one who can do so is… himself.
