NKOSINATHI Reason Fountain made a huge difference for Motherwell youth after he retired from playing football.
Fountain, who was born in KwaZakhele, started playing football in the dusty streets as a child. He said that he was playing soccer in the gap-tap space, which is a space between two streets and with a community tap, when he was spotted by Morning Stars FC’s late coach, Vuyani Brown, who asked him to play for his side in the Sipho Ndzuzo Competition.
Fountain said, “Brown told me that he was so impressed with my performance and he told me that he would like me to play for Morning Stars.
“I was very happy and I was also amazed, as the clubs in my immediate community did not see me playing football at the properly run level.”
He said that his friends played for African Wanderers FC, which was his local club.
He said that he soon realised that he had a potential to be a great football player.
“Wanderers FC management went to my home and told my parents that I should play for them, since the club was in my home vicinity, but the move to play for Wanderers FC failed, after my parents bought a house in Motherwell.
“Then, I joined a boxing club, after my late cousin, Langa Mashelele, introduced me to boxing.”
Shining Stars officials, Mzimkhulu Fina and Sydwell Temele, recruited him to play for their junior side in 1999. Fountain’s performances and prolific goal scoring soon saw him promoted to Stars’ senior team.
He played alongside Mlungisi Maranti and others who still play in top-flight football. He thanked Fina and Temele for affording him great football exposure.
Later on, Fountain joined Showvillage United Brothers with coach, Lukhanyo Wasa, playing an important role in his career.
“I received a lot of guidance from coach Wasa. Because of his guidance, Soccer School of Excellence coach Eddie Velile Dyaloyi recruited me to join them in 2003. Then in 2008, when I was back at Showvillage, we won the SAFA Metropolitan U/19 championships at Zwide Stadium.”
Fountain coached Manchester United and Young Ideas in the MOFA Premier League. He also shared his football technical skills when he coached Komani-based Angavu Stars in the ABC Motsepe League.
Fountain currently coaches Sibanye FC. He helped guide local player Bongani Sam to the PSL, where he signed with Mamelodi Sundowns.
He also took Austin Kwem from Mthatha and gave him accommodation and helped him sign with Chippa United, where he is a top striker.
Fountain still dedicates lots of his time nurturing a talent in Motherwell and around the region.
