Jomo Cosmos is not just a football club but part of South Africa’s football heritage!
Formed in 1983, Ezenkosi were a dominant force in the 1990s and early 2000s. They have previously been home to some of the best talents on the continent, thanks to Jomo Sono’s sharp eye for talent.
Following their relegation to the third tier,
FARPost picks out five players who made an impact at the club.
BENJANI MWARUWARI
Mwaruwari joined Jomo Cosmos in 1999 from Air Zimbabwe, which played in the second division of the Zimbabwean league. The Bulawayo-born goal poacher proved to be a prolific signing for Ezenkosi, scoring 20 goals in 44 appearances between 1999 and 2002. Mwaruwari had a fruitful spell with Cosmos and was named Footballer of the Season and Player’ Player of the Season in 2001.
PHILEMON MASINGA
Masinga joined Ezenkosi in the early 90s and instantly proved to be the best signing for Cosmos with his goal-scoring ability. The Klerksdorp-born striker went on to play for top clubs in the world, including English Premier League side Leeds United. Masinga, who sadly passed on in 2019, will always be remembered for the splendid goal he scored against Congo Brazzaville in the World Cup qualifying match in 1997 that sent Bafana Bafana to the 1998 world cup in France.
MARK FISH
Mark Fish burst onto the South African top-flight in 1991 for Jomo Cosmos and made 55 appearances for the Vosloorus-based side. From the heart of defence, he chipped in with three goals. Fish became a household name in the SA football landscape and went on to play for top European teams, including the Italian giants Lazio in 1996. That same year, he helped Bafana Bafana to claim their first-ever African Cup of Nation trophy.
MANUEL BUCUANE
The player best known as Tico Tico joined Cosmos in 1996 and hit the ground running with his goal-scoring prowess and explosive runs towards defenders. The Mozambican goal poacher made over 200 appearances for Jomo Cosmos and contributed a staggering number of goals. Tico Tico is the third record scorer in the PSL with 104 strikes, just behind Siyabonga Nomvethe (128 goals) and Mamelodi Sundowns great Daniel Mudau, who scored 110 goals.
RENEILWE LETSOLONYANE
Letsholonyane gained prominence with Jomo Cosmos between 2006 and 2008 before joining Kaizer Chiefs. The Soweto-born midfielder became one of the most respected figures in the PSL and was part of the squad that played in the first-ever Fifa World Cup in the African continent, held in South Africa in 2010.
