Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

Jomo Cosmos yesterday announced their partnership with the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in Vanderbijlpark.

The agreement will see Cosmos, who now campaign in the First Division, play their home matches at the institution and take advantage of its facilities.

The university's vice chancellor, Irene Moutlana, said they had been looking forward to forming partnerships with clubs and contributing positively as the country will be hosting the World Cup.

"Although we are still engaged in exploratory talks, so far we know that the partnership will allow our players in the institution exposure. We are also looking at establishing a sports academy and already have a special team working on this," Moutlana said.

Ezenkosi will play their match this weekend against Winners Park at their new home, and club owner Jomo Sono appealed to the players to grab this opportunity and study so as to have something to fall back on after their playing days.

"We need to discuss how the whole thing will be structured, but we will do our best to break the cycle and ensure that players start thinking about education," he said.

"We need to make them aware that they should not be deceived by money. You might be earning thousands of rands right now but trust me, in five years' time that will not be the case.

"Get a skill, because very few players are like Kaizer Motaung [Kaizer Chiefs boss] and go on to have distinguished careers after their soccer career has ended."