Jomo Sono, a legendary figure in South African soccer, has successfully converted his outstanding sports legacy into a R600 million business empire, securing his status as one of the country’s top black entrepreneurs. His influence now spans multiple sectors including football, hospitality, energy, mining, technology, and retail, demonstrating his visionary mindset, resilience, and sharp leadership skills.

Sono’s business career took off in 1983 when he acquired Highlands Park and renamed it Jomo Cosmos Football Club. Under his guidance, the club quickly became a dominant force in South African football, clinching the 1987 National Soccer League title and several cup victories during the 1990s and early 2000s.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Sono earned acclaim as a talent developer, helping to launch the careers of notable South African soccer stars like Philemon Masinga, Mark Fish, and Helman Mkhalele. His efforts contributed significantly to the success of the 1996 AFCON-winning Bafana Bafana team, securing his legacy as a football visionary.

In 2020, Sono expanded his influence by initiating the Jomo Sono Football Schools project, which plans to establish nine academies nationwide. These institutions focus on grassroots soccer development and offer pathways for promising young players to enter professional ranks.

Beyond the football field, Sono entered the hospitality sector with Sawubona Hotels, a R600 million investment that includes six luxury hotels across Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Rustenburg. He prioritized black ownership and community empowerment by granting up to 40% equity to local stakeholders in select properties.

Sono also holds strategic shares in Carnivore Restaurant, the Formula 1 Hotel Group, and Misty Hotels and Conference Centre, expanding his hospitality ventures.

In the energy sector, Sono co-founded Exel Petroleum, one of the first black-owned petroleum companies in South Africa. This company later merged with Sasol, solidifying his influential role in the nation’s energy industry.

His mining interests include a 15% share in Thunderstone Mining, a 10% stake in Life Diamonds, and investments in coal mining, showing a diverse approach across valuable mineral sectors.

Sono’s business interests also include retail franchising, owning multiple KFC franchises throughout South Africa. He additionally holds stakes in various technology and engineering firms, though details remain confidential due to market competition.

From a renowned soccer star to a savvy businessman, Jomo Sono’s business empire exemplifies generational wealth and black achievement. His success story, built on a foundation of sports excellence, has blossomed into a broad, multi-sector legacy that continues to motivate and uplift South Africans.