Kamwendo markets JK Foundation in Moz

Former Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo is in Mozambique where he hopes to market his newly-launched football academy, the JK Foundation.

Kamwendo, who retired from active football last season after a career spanning over 20 years, said he is on a mission to market his academy to his former clubs such as Liga Desportiva de Maputo.

The midfielder, who played for the club between 2013 and 2016, said: “I want to produce as many stars as possible through my foundation. For me to be what I am today, it’s because other people gave me the opportunity to play. I thought it’s time for me to go to the village and scout for talent.

“I am in Mozambique now meeting my former club’s officials on a possible partnership. The owner of the club [Rafik Sidat] didn’t know that I retired and I have my own foundation. He has promised to support the foundation. The club will help in paying school fees for some of the kids we have.”

So far, JK Foundation football academy has registered 18 kids—10 boys and eight girls which it is paying school fees.

“Even though it has been tough with the Covid-19 pandemic, but we are very happy with the reopening of the schools.

“It’s encouraging that even people from across the borders are willing to help the foundation in different ways,” said Kamwendo.

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda applauded Kamwendo for his initiative.

He said: “You can see that he is utilizing the network he created during his international career. This is what we call thinking outside the box.”