Eric Sono - Jomo Sono and Jomo’s sons [Bamuza and Matsilele]
When we talk about fathers and sons who made it as soccer players in South African football, the first names that come to our minds are Sono's. It is because Eric Sono and his son, Jomo, were great ambassadors of the game albeit the testing apartheid era during their times. Both are respected legends of Orlando Pirates. Jomo went on to be a highly successful coach and coached Bafana Bafana at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan whilst he also won a few cups domestically with his own club Jomo Cosmos where two of his sons Bamuza and Matsilele are also playing.
Kaizer Motaung and Kaizer Motaung Junior
‘Chincha Guluva’ began his career with Orlando Pirates as a 16-year-old and went on to play for Atlanta Chiefs and Denver Dynamos in the United States of America (U.S.A). Upon his return, he formed Kaizer Chiefs and also grew into one of South Africa’s top football administrators. His son, Kaizer Motaung Junior started off at Chelsea FC and 1860 Munich juniors in England and Germany respectively. He went to also play for his father’s side, Chiefs. He was a good striker although troubled by injuries which subsequently forced him into an early retirement.
Les and Bradley Grobler
Like his father Bradley is a serial goal scorer who is currently playing for SuperSport United. Les was a prolific striker for Moroka Swallows in his days and Bradley has already been to Europe where he played in Turkey for Goztepe. He has also turned out for Platinum Stars and Ajax Cape Town and is a part of the current Bafana Bafana squad.
Gordon and Grant Igesund
Having undergone a highly successful career as a footballer, Gordon Igesund pursued coaching and it also went well for him there. Becoming the only South African coach to have won five league titles with five different teams. His son Grant, is a retired striker who turned out for Ajax Cape Town, Manning Rangers and Maritzburg United before quitting the game.
Goodenough Nkomo and Morgan Gould
Although the late former Kaizer Chiefs and Highlands Park player, Nkomo, was a midfielder, his son, Morgan, has grown to be one of South Africa’s top center-backs. The SuperSport United defender is enjoying his football again having rejoined United for a second stint after a successful, but injury ridden spell with Kaizer Chiefs.
Isaac and Siyabulela Shaai
Retired midfielder, Isaac, enjoyed 12 successful years at Mamelodi Sundowns where his impressive performances also earned him seven Bafana Bafana caps. His son, Siyabulela, is a midfielder like him but he is an attacking player. He has already turned out for Chippa United and Maritzburg United and although currently in the fringes at Sundowns, he is destined for a great future given his prowess.
Eliakim Khumalo and Doctor Khumalo
Eliakim ‘Professor’Khumalo, was nicknamed ‘Professor’ because of his intelligence in midfield for Kaizer Chiefs where he was one of their first recruits in 1971. He also played for Moroka Swallows. Like his late dad, Doctor was an intelligent midfielder and also turned out for Chiefs. He was an integral part of Bafana Bafana 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad and also enjoyed a successful career with Amakhosi. He also turned out for Argentine side Ferro Carril Oeste and United States side Columbus Crew.
Esau Phiri and Lebogang Phiri
Former Vaal Professionals and Tembisa Classic striker – Esau - may not have enjoyed a very long professional career, but his son, Lebogang, moved to Europe at 18. Now just 22-year-of-age he is already a household name in Danish football where he plays for Brondby. Lebo is definitely destined for bigger things.
Patrick Moon, father of Brice and Ryan Moon
Patrick signed his first professional contract with Maritzburg United in 1979 and his career spanned over a decade. His eldest son Brice, has enjoyed a highly successful career which has also taken him to Greece where he played for Panathinaikos. Prior to his departure for Europe, Brice played for Ajax Cape Town and upon his return he joined Golden Arrows, SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Mpumalanga Black Aces and he is now back at the Team of Choice whilst his younger brother Ryan recently debuted for Kaizer Chiefs.
Kamaal and Junaid Sait
Junaid, son of former Bafana Bafana defender Kamaal is certainly living up to his father’s footsteps. The tough tackling defender is playing his trade in the National First Division where he turns out for Stellenbosch FC. He recently returned from Swedish Allsvenskan side Falkenbergs. Another one who is destined for a bright future.
Also worth mentioning are Steve and Lebohang Pila. Steve played as a midfielder for Sundowns before turning football administrator whilst son Lebo enjoyed a brief stint with Jomo Cosmos. Also former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs striker-converted defender- Patrick Mayo’s sons Khanyisa and Khanyisile Mayo are a few steps away from running professionals at SuperSport United. Khanyisa recently returned from a trial stint at Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon whist he is also a regular of the national Under-20 side.