Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Ex-Bafana star inspires community
LIFE may be tough for the former Bafana Bafana star, but he’s not giving up on his passion for soccer and youth development.
Jason Jainudeen Lakay last played professional football more than a decade ago as a striker for the Golden Arrows and Santos FC until he retired in 2010. He has since worked as a handyman at local companies and been an inspiration to his community with voluntary coaching at local clubs.
He is now coaching Mitchells Plain’s Westham United FC and is running training sessions with young boys from around Ocean View, creating a safe space for them.
“I work with youth from both my community and Mitchells Plain, where I am coaching and also playing for a super league team. There’s a lot of talent suppressed by the lack of support system and resources. I use my experience to push them through the difficulties, telling them what qualities a professional player must have and the importance of being self-sustained.
“Not all youths in our communities take education seriously. I am not educated. I pursued football, but I at least got my matric and can use my hands. I have been working as a handyman recently, but I want these boys to know that though you can earn a living from talent, you still need to invest in education for when your talent no longer pays.
“I do my best to distract their minds from our realities and let them see a bigger picture to life. And I can only do that through soccer,” said Lakay.
However, as a self-employed person running a fairly new grass-cutting business, he’s struggling to find the muchneeded resources, but he is working with local leaders to achieve his goals.
Aslam Richards, the ward councillor, said the community admired Lakay.
“He’s been a real inspiration, leading by example, and that’s what I like about him. He came on board when I started reclaiming the parks from the gangs and offered his services. Yes, I hope he could be able to get sponsorships or donations for the resources to better equip their training sessions. We’ll continue working together to achieve our vision for the community,” Richards said.
One of the players, Omar Matthys, described Lakay as a role model who knows how to address and bring out the best in an individual. “He introduced me to a completely different kind of football, with his tricks and way of thinking. He is a free-spirited person and you can talk to him about anything. He’s not arrogant as most successful people would be and wants the best for everyone. I am really honoured to have him as my coach,” said Matthys.