Teetotaler Majika

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
GROWING up in a family of footballers made Chicken Inn left back, George “Jojola” Majika’s entry into the sport, easy.

Majika says his progression in the “most beautiful game’’ was hassle free as he was surrounded by football as he grew up.

His elder brothers, Thomas and Moses as well as sister Nobuhle were already into the game during his early years and they nudged him into the sport.

“There was football all over at home. It was either we are talking about the sport or we are outside playing home-made plastic balls. I fell in love with the sport at an early age and once I failed to secure funds to complete my secondary school education, I turned my focus to soccer,” said George.

He revealed his siblings encouraged him to go into the game and were willing to provide him with all the equipment he needed, adding he never had a shortage of boots unlike some of his peers who only secured boots occasionally and had to make do with playing barefooted or use takkies.

“It is unfortunate I had to drop out of school when I was doing Form Three because at home we couldn’t afford the fees anymore, but I am happy I turned to football because now it is my livelihood and I am earning my keep from the sport,’’ said George.

“I had a lot of support from my siblings in playing soccer and watching them in the field also inspired me a lot and gave me confidence to push ahead with my career in the sport.’’

While Thomas has not been in the field for years now, Moses is turning out for Bantu Rovers in the Southern Region Division One league while Nobuhle plays for Inline Academy and has had an outstanding career with the Mighty Warriors.

A deep obsession with football has seen George failing to develop any other sporting interests, with Pool being his only other pass time.

Despite growing up in a family of more than 10, Jojola says he is an introvert and has only one friend, Mthandazo “Mboma” Dube whom he spends most of his time with.

“I grew up with Mboma in Entumbane and we used to stay a few houses apart hence we were very close and if I am not at home with my wife and child I hang around with him and my siblings listening to house music and playing pool.

“Unfortunately I have less time with Mboma since our training times differ as my practice session with Chicken Inn is in the morning while his is in the afternoon with (Division Two side) Mpopoma Pirates. I really can’t say I am close to any of my teammates at Chicken Inn but that does not mean I do not get along with the guys well, we are a unit and understand each other well,” said Jojola.

The 22-year-old has moved out of the family home in Entumbane, for lodgings in the same suburb with his wife Sakhile Moyo and eight-month old daughter Michelle. He said his daughter is his pride and being a father has been a blessing to him.

Unlike most of the footballers, George neither drinks alcohol nor frequent night spots, but spends the bulk of his spare time with his young family.

“I do not even know what it looks like in a bar because alcohol is one thing that has never appealed to me, so I’m usually playing with my daughter and spending time with my wife. I am enjoying fatherhood so I will make the most of it and bond with my daughter,” he said.

His inspiration is former Warriors, Dynamos, Free State Stars and Supersport United defender James “Van Damme” Matola, who endeared him with his defensive skills and sublime tackling. George said he was fascinated with Matola’s style of play and when growing up he played as centre back just like former Warriors defender.

He said growing up in Bulawayo, he was an ardent follower of Highlanders but never played for the team as he turned out for Celtics’ juniors before moving to Division Two side, Cosmos where he was recruited by Zifa Southern Region Division One side Bulawayo Chiefs before being snapped up by his current team, the Game Cocks. And Jojola and his side Chicken Inn are both on the verge of making history by winning the coveted Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Championships. Their fate is both in their hands.