Amajita coach, Raymond Mdaka says he is not going to allow his much talked-about salary to distract him from his preparations for the forthcoming FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup.
Mdaka, who hails from Nkowa Nkowa outside Tzaneen, was speaking during his homecoming event in his hometown, in Limpopo’s Capricorn District. It was organised in his honour by the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM).
“I hear people are speaking a lot about the salary I receive from SAFA as if it’s a big issue. For me my salary is not a big deal. To serve my country while at the same time doing what I am passionate about … is the issue,” said Mdaka.
First-ever AFCON title
The coach recently guided Amajita to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 28 years.
Amajita qualified for the FIFA World Cup long before they could win the AFCON. This was after beating their DR Congo counterparts in the quarterfinals of the continental showpiece in Egypt. The SA side went on to lift the competition’ silverware after overcoming the hosts, Egypt, 1-0 in the final.
Expressing his gratitude
Mdaka expressed his gratitude to the municipality for the honour.
He was gifted R35 000.
“For me, it is a great moment to be honoured while I am still alive, in my own hometown. I know that the pressure I was feeling when I was in Egypt, you also felt it. You were always praying that we don’t concede any goals after we took the lead in that final match.”
You prayed as a municipality and the entire region, he said.
“We also need to encourage and support other sporting activities because their achievements at the end will see us back here again to celebrate them. Finally, I would also like to thank my family for the support, living their life in my absence while I was on national duty,” said Mdaka.
He has also served as Dynamos and Marumo Gallants coach.
Proud Mayor adds his voice
In applauding Mdaka’s achievements, Greater Tzaneen Mayor, Gerson Molapisane said they are proud of their own. “Mdaka has not only raised Tzaneen’s flag as a good coach (who) made history by guiding the national under-20 team to their first-ever AFCON title. But he has also proved that Greater Tzaneen and the entire Mopani District can also raise their hand and be counted as one of the key role players in football circles.”
About the money, the Mayor said: “This is a token of our appreciation. It will not only be done to Mdaka, but all other individuals who do well.”
Mdaka and his troops participate in the FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup scheduled for September 27-October 19 in Chile. Twenty-four countries will be competing. Amajita will face the USA in their opening match.
