John Maduka, the Malawian football great

John Maduka has had a long career in football, now serving as the head coach of Dstv Premiership side Bloemfontein Celtics, where he is a cult hero, but for the 50-year-old it all began in his country of birth Malawi, in a small town called Thyolo.
Located in the south of Malawi, the town of Thyolo, pronounced as “Cho-lo” is renowned for its tea production, beautiful natural sights accompanied by the cool climate and weather.

“It’ll always be a special place for me, I was born there. I never grew up there, Thyolo is one of the beautiful places in Malawi, where the tea and tobacco come from,” said Maduka.

Born in Thyolo but Maduka was breed in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe. The capital city is heavily populated, divided into two sections; New City and Old City. In the section of New City, you’ll find business offices, embassies and hotels; while in Old City you come across cafes, restaurants and markets.
“I had to leave Thyolo and go to Lilongwe, that’s where my father was doing business.
The most important thing I learnt as a child in Lilongwe was discipline, it was the main thing. My parents never allowed us to be out there and have too much freedom. They always thought us how to respect people.
Respecting everyone whether they were rich or poor, respect them knowing that this is a human being created by God.”

While growing up Maduka was not integrated into the business as his parents, as they wanted him to focus on his studies, while also plating the seed of religion, as Maduka is a devoted Muslim.

“I was going to school, so I had to focus on my studies. During those days parents wanted the kids to focus on their studies and waited for the right moment to introduce them to the business. So, my focus was on school.
Religion is something my parents introduced to. I’m Muslim, with me being Muslim there are things I have to try and avoid because of my religion not allowing that.”

We all witness love in many shapes and form, Maduka got to see it from his parent when they would house fellow villagers when they went to the capital city when seeking greener pastures.

“At times there could be people from the home town of my parents coming over to the city when they wanted jobs, what they did they would allow them to stay in our home until they were fine. We were still young, so most of the time my parents would say ‘no this is your uncle’ but at a later stage I realised that these people stayed with us because they come from the same village as my parents. So, from that I learnt to love from them, cause it’s not easy to look after someone you don’t know,” said Maduka.

Around black communities, children are introduced to sports in the streets, whether its football, rugby, cricket or netball. The family also plays a role in terms of influencing what sport the child leans towards. In the streets of Lilongwe, Maduka was introduced to football, but his fire for the game would be ignited by his uncles and father.

“You know as a black child, you end up playing soccer in the streets, I started playing football at an early age. At that time, we played barefoot, played the whole day for entertainment.
My uncles used to play football they would take me around to games and that motivated me to play, that’s how it started. My father didn’t play football he loved the game, he would take us to the game. That helped motivate me, seeing people cheered up when players did something on the pitch; and I’d always said ‘I want to be like them’. It was never about money but to be able to uplift people.”

From the seed being planted, Maduka grew more determined to make it as a professional. He had the will and ambition to improve, moving through the age group ranks at an early age of 16, he knew his footballing dreams were thought of reality, thanks to the iconic Silver Strikers. Silver Strikers is a club that has special sentimental value in Maduka’s heart.

“At 16 I was approached by Silver Strikers, at that time I was still at school, they invited me for trails and that’s how it started.
After Silver Strikers signed me, they took care of everything, they took all the responsibility from my parents. For us kids who were still in school, they paid us ‘up-keep’ money. They became a guardian to me.
Silver Strikers, that’s one team I’m forever thankful for, they are like family to me,” said Maduka.

Soon after his breakthrough at Silver Strikers, came calls to the national setup with the U/23’s and then a call up to the senior side. A debut that will forever be in the back of the mind of Maduka followed, as he faced as a giant of football, Zimbabwean great Bruce Grobbelaar.

“I was very excited to play for my country, my first game for the senior national side was a disaster. It was against Zimbabwe in Harare at the Harare National Stadium.
I was a striker, and I remember Bruce Grobbelaar was the goalkeeper and Zimbabwe had a lot of good players, we ended up losing the game 4-0. From there on I was always part of the Malawi squad. I’m so proud to have represented my country.”

John Maduka is one of a very few to make it to the professional scene from Malawi, amassing plenty of caps for the national side and going abroad to go play football. He lived the dreams of many and that’s something he does not take for granted, he’s sincere and cherishes the career he has had.

“When I retired, I retired satisfied because all that I wished for when I was a child I walked through, what else would I want. I’m thankful to God, for he favoured me to walk the road I wished for.
I believe that if you have a dream or something that you want; you should stick to it, work hard for it and sacrifice. God will always allow you to achieve it.
I am thankful to everyone who played a part in me being where I am today. I came to South Africa very young; I was received well and they treated me like one of their own, I have been here for 25 years now, played for Bush Bucks and Bloemfontein Celtics,” said Maduka.

Like many African countries, in all its beauty, Malawi is struck hard by poverty and inadequate political leadership. President Lazarus Chakwera is tasked with bringing redemption and provide leadership to the nicest people in the African continent.
Malawi is home for Maduka, and he has urged all those who love the country to pull together for the betterment of its people.

“It’s important for everyone who says they love Malawi; they try and do what’s best for the county. We are talking about the people, as a politician, you must try and remember that you are representing the people, these are human beings; and when you are allowed to lead them, you must lead them with love and care. In doing so they will always remember what you have done for them.
Not everyone can be a leader, you are chosen, it’s your gift, and you must make sure you use it. The gift God was given to you by God, why should you ill-treat the people of God. Our politician should be on the same page so that they can change the lives of those that are suffering. Malawi is not a rich country, there are a lot of challenges,” concluded Maduka.