malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda
THE legendary former Ghana captain, Abedi “Pele” Ayew, occasionally speaks about his footballing sons, Andre and Jordan. Sometimes he defends them, but in other instances, he feels the criticism is warranted.
Abedi recently told Modern Ghana, an online publication, that there was nothing wrong with Ghanaians criticising his sons, arguing that his “boys are attacked because they carry great potential”.
“When I was playing, it was the same, so there is nothing wrong with it.
“It is because they (Ghanaians) know you have it and you can do it; that is why they come at you. If you don’t have it, nobody will call your name,” he said.
Abedi was a key member of the Ghana side that won the West African country’s last Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 1982.
The former Marseille star was named the best player in Africa on three occasions.
He was so good that he earned the nickname “Pele” after the late great Brazilian treble World Cup winner, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele).
Abedi’s brother Kwame represented the Black Stars in the 2000s, while his sons — Andre and Jordan — are still playing for the national team.
Andre is the current captain of Ghana, while Jordan is growing into a key player at English Premier League club Crystal Palace.
There is a long list of fathers and sons who have played football or represented their countries at senior level.
AFC Bournemouth striker Justin Kluivert is the son of former Barcelona and Netherlands star Patrick, while Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel carried on his father Peter’s legacy when he lifted the English Premiership title with Leicester City in 2015/2016.
The legendary Dutchman Johan Cruyff and his son Jordi are also another father-son football story.
On the domestic front, former Dynamos and Al Hilal striker Edward Sadomba is also inspired by Abedi and the way he raised his sons to become top footballers.
Sadomba similarly has two sons who have just started their football journey.
His eldest son, El Shaddai (14), dominated social media platforms recently after grabbing the Golden Boot for scoring six times for Zimbabwe at the CAF African Schools Championship-COSAFA Qualifiers in Harare from December 15 to 17.
El Shaddai also made it into the tournament’s Best XI, along with his captain Tadiwa Chakuchichi, as the hosts grabbed the bronze medal.
The younger of the Sadomba boys, Adonai (13), was also part of the Zimbabwe schools’ squad.
“I have always been an admirer of Abedi Pele and the way he has shown his sons direction. I am inspired to also do the same for my kids,” said Sadomba.
The former Warriors striker has designed a home training regime for his two boys and has a gym at his Harare house.
“Three times a week, we wake up at 5am and do a 6-kilometre road run. We are also in the gym together four times a week,” said Sadomba.
“I also monitor what the boys eat and drink. I guess it’s important for parents to identify their children’s talents and support them from a tender age.”
Luton Town midfielder and Warriors skipper Marvelous Nakamba is the son of ex-Hwange player Antony.
He continues to get support and guidance from his father.
Also receiving support from his father is Highlanders winger Ray “Ndori Ndori” Lunga, who is the son of former Bosso striker Gift Lunga Snr.
“My father is always there for me,” said Ray.
“He is always telling me stories about the Highlanders of the 1980s and 1990s; how big this institution is, and that pushes me to work hard,” he added.
Highly rated Chicken Inn and national team goalkeeper Donovan Bernard was still young when his father, Mirirai, who was also a good ’keeper in his days, passed away in 2006.
The legendary Mirirai won the Super League title with Black Aces in 1992 under Steve “The Dude” Kwashi (also late).
“I was only nine when my father passed away, but he did train me a bit and wished to do more for me, but time didn’t allow,” said Donovan.
“But it was an advantage to have him as a father because it helped me to get recognition easily. I watched some of his games for Black Aces but I was very young. It still comes back in flashes, but I have heard he was a very good goalkeeper.
“I am also told he was a character and you would feel his presence wherever he went. I am proud of him.”
Trailblazing Nyasa Big Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa is coaching his son Kenneth at the serial Malawian champions.
Just like his father, Kenneth also plays a defensive midfield role.
Kalisto was in the same DeMbare squad with Lloyd Mutasa, who also has sons — Wisdom and Panashe — who are playing professional football.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas, who was a defender for Arcadia United, had his son Quincy featuring for Motor Action before he moved to Brondy IF in Denmark.
The late Steve Kwashi, a fine winger with Dynamos in the 1980s and Zimbabwe Saints in the 1970s, had his son Fungai Tostao follow his footsteps when turning up for CAPS United and clubs in Vietnam.
Tostao is also Lloyd Chitembwe’s assistant coach at CAPS United.
Dynamos board chairperson and ex-goalkeeper Bernard Marriot-Lusengo’s son Edson, who is now late, starred for CAPS United.
Ex-Arcadia United midfielder Hussein Amidu’s sons — Abbas and Bret — have also gone on to excel in the game.
Former Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari’s son Benjani Jr signed his first professional contract with English fifth-tier side Yeovil last year.
The gifted forward is now 18.
Alois Bunjira, who played a starring role when CAPS United won their second league championship in 1996, has a son Alois Jr, who is also a flying winger.
He dazzled on the wing for Northern Region Division One side Golden Eagles in 2022. As the old saying goes, an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
It seems part of the conveyor belt for talent for the Warriors and various clubs now lies in the sons of former players.
■ X: @LangtonGuraz
Online Reporter