Jomo Sono – From Football Legend to Business Icon

Jomo Sono – From Football Legend to Business Icon

Known by many as the “Black Prince of South African Football,” Jomo Sono is a legendary person. His impact extends beyond the realms of business and sports. Sono is well-known for his outstanding football career. He went on to become a prosperous businessman. He left his imprint in a variety of sectors. Jomo’s narrative is one of ambition. It is also one of tenacity and resolve. His story spans his ground-breaking forays into the fast food, hospitality, and petroleum industries.

Jomo Sono’s story proves that with passion and determination, you can conquer any field, be it on the football pitch or in the boardroom.

A Football Legend Turned Entrepreneur

Jomo Sono made his name as one of the best South African football players of all time on the pitch. It was where his career got its start. He was a player for the Orlando Pirates. He also played for the New York Cosmos. These were two of the best football teams in the world. But his influence goes well beyond his playing career. Sono’s commercial endeavors after he retired from the game demonstrated his abilities in both sports and entrepreneurship.

Pioneering Fast Food in Soweto: The First KFC Franchise

The fast food industry was one of Jomo Sono’s first and most significant commercial endeavors. Sono made history in the early 1990s. He became the first business owner in Soweto to open a KFC franchise—a daring and unheard-of action at the time. Due to its ongoing change, Soweto was not a popular choice for international franchises. Yet, Sono chose to bring a well-known brand like KFC to the township. This action demonstrated his intention to support the growth of the local economy in under-represented areas.

Due to his great success in the fast-food market, he eventually became the owner of six KFC locations. This accomplishment enhanced Sono’s standing as a wise businessman. It also set the stage for a multifaceted enterprise spanning multiple industries. His achievements in this field encouraged other South African business people. They took on comparable projects in the food and hospitality sector.

Jomo Cosmos: From Football Star to Club Owner

After hanging up his boots, Jomo Sono was n’t content with merely leaving football behind. In 1982, he made the bold decision to purchase Highlands Park FC and unbranded it as Jomo Cosmos. The club became an essential part of Sono’s legacy. It focused on nurturing local talent. It also provided a platform for young players to excel.

Under his ownership and guidance, Jomo Cosmos produced some of South Africa’s finest football talent. Players like Phil Masinga started their careers at Jomo Cosmos. Helman Mkhalele and Mark Fish also began there before making it big on the international stage. Sono’s commitment to football development earned him widespread admiration. His dual role as both club owner and coach remains rare in professional sports.

Today, Jomo Cosmos is valued at over R30 million. This stands as a testament to Sono’s ability to successfully bridge the gap between sports and business. He takes a hands-on approach with the club. This is both as an owner and coach. It is one of the key factors that have contributed to its ongoing success.

Venturing into Petroleum: The Rise of Exel Petroleum

Jomo Sono’s business interests didn’t stop at fast food or football. In the early 2000s, he ventured into the petroleum industry. He founded Exel Petroleum, a fuel distribution company that quickly rose to prominence in South Africa. His entry into this sector was particularly significant. The energy industry in South Africa has traditionally been dominated by large corporations.

Through his leadership, Exel Petroleum grew to become one of the most recognised fuel distributors in the country. Eventually, Exel merged with Sasol, one of South Africa’s largest energy and chemical companies. This merger demonstrated Sono’s business acumen. It also cemented his status as a key player in the country’s energy sector.

From pioneering fast food in Soweto to challenging established industries, Jomo Sono embodies the spirit of South African entrepreneurship.

Diversification into Hospitality and Other Industries

Jomo Sono’s ventures are as diverse as they are successful. Besides his achievements in fast food, football, and petroleum, Sono expanded his empire into the hospitality industry. He created Sawubona Hotels, which aimed to offer quality accommodation throughout South Africa. This venture aligned with Sono’s overarching vision. He aimed to create businesses that cater to a wide range of needs across the country.

Additionally, Sono made investments in diamonds and golf courses, further demonstrating his versatility as an entrepreneur. He has navigated a broad range of industries. This ability has defined his business career. It has earned him respect as one of South Africa’s leading businessmen.

Vecto Finance and BladeSA: Expanding into Finance and Manufacturing

Jomo Sono never rests on his laurels. His most recent business ventures have seen him expand into both the finance and manufacturing sectors. In the finance space, Sono acquired a majority stake in Vecto Finance. It is a microfinance company with ambitious plans to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). This move underscores Sono’s long-term vision. He desires to make a meaningful impact on the financial landscape in South Africa.

Also, Sono announced the launch of BladeSA, a South African razor manufacturing company. This venture is particularly noteworthy as it seeks to challenge international brands by offering locally manufactured grooming products. With BladeSA, Sono is setting his sights on the consumer goods market, further diversifying his already impressive business portfolio.

Strong Negotiator and Business Strategist

Throughout his career, Jomo Sono has been known for his strong negotiation skills. He is also recognised for his ability to challenge the status quo. He is outspoken. He firmly stands on issues affecting the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa. Sono has been a vocal critic of the PSL board. He particularly criticizes their practice of taking commissions from sponsorship deals. He has called out this practice as unfair.

Despite occasional controversies, Sono’s willingness to speak his mind. He challenges established systems. This approach has only served to further solidify his reputation as a formidable figure in both business and football. His fearlessness in advocating for change and transparency has earned him the respect of peers and fans alike.

Jomo Sono’s Enduring Legacy

Jomo Sono’s journey from a football legend to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. He has broken barriers and set new standards in various industries. These range from fast food to football, petroleum, hospitality, finance, and manufacturing. His pioneering spirit has inspired a new generation of South African entrepreneurs. It demonstrates that with ambition, resilience, and hard work, one can make a lasting impact across multiple sectors.

Today, Jomo Sono remains a household name in South Africa, revered for his contributions to football and business alike. As he continues to expand his empire, his influence will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.

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