HANKEY-BORN football coach, Gcobani Citwa, has made a huge positive difference in the Nelson Mandela Bay football fraternity over the years.
Citwa, who was born at Weston Location in Hankey, started playing football for B Bafana FC in his youth, motivated by his uncle, Mzwanele Citwa.
Citwa continued playing football while he was a learner at Mfesane High School in Motherwell NU 12 B.
He commended his high school soccer coach, Bhele Nyewe, for being a good motivator.
Citwa was appointed first team captain in 2000 and guided his school to win the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Tournament, Shweme and Shweme Schools’ Cup and many trophies.
He said, “I joined a local club, Camper United in 2001 and I played for u/17 and u/20 when I was 16 years old. I played a few games in the junior ranks of Camper United, until I was promoted to play in the senior team.
“I adapted very quickly to the playing style of our first team.
“In 2006/2007 MOFA season, I was appointed as a senior team captain.
“Under my leadership, we won MOFA Easter Tournament, MOFA Nedbank Cup in 2006 and we ended the season at second place, in the league with Showvillage United beating us by two points.
“I also played for the MOFA squad during the Local Football Associations Games. In the 2009/2010 season, we won MOFA Premier League and we were promoted to the SAFA NMB SAB Regional League, after we overcame Despatch Pioneers 2–1 in the finals in Despatch. I then told myself that I had done enough for my club and I decided to retire as a player in 2010.”
His coaching career started when he was appointed as an assistant to head coach, Xola Stefaans.
Camper United finished fifth on the SAFA NMB SAB Regional League in the 2011/2012 season.
Citwa was appointed by MOFA technical head, Bonke Namba, as MOFA assistant coach, to work with the head coach, Patrick Thembinkosi Lindani.
Then in the 2012/2013 season, Namba appointed Citwa and Andile Poyana as co-coaches, who won the inter-local football association tournament at Adcock Stadium in the finals.
“In 2014/2015 season, MOFA squad under the leadership of head coach Bonke Namba and myself as an assistant coach, we managed to win SAFA NMB ILFA Tournament cup after defeating PEFA 2-0 in the finals at Victoria Park High School grounds. In 2016/2017 season, I was appointed as MOFA squad head coach and helped MOFA to beat the Industrial League squad 6–2 in the finals at Walmer Grounds. At that time around, I gave an opportunity to young players and a few experienced players for guidance,” said Citwa
In 2015/2016, Citwa was the head coach of Lion City, who finished second in the ABC Motsepe League. At one point, they also won the Somerset East tournament.
