Jomo Sono is widely celebrated for his achievements on the football field—but what many don’t know is that the South African legend has transformed his legacy into a business empire worth over R600 million. Spanning industries like hospitality, energy, mining, tech, and fast food, Sono is not just a sports hero—he’s one of South Africa’s most strategic black entrepreneurs.
It all began with football. After acquiring Highlands Park in 1983, Sono rebranded the club as Jomo Cosmos, leading it to major domestic success, including the 1987 National Soccer League title and multiple cup victories. But his talent didn’t stop at coaching—he had a gift for spotting the stars of tomorrow. Players like Philemon Masinga, Mark Fish, and Helman Mkhalele rose under his mentorship, many of whom played key roles in South Africa’s historic 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Shaping the Future of Football
Never one to rest on past glories, Sono launched Jomo Sono Football Schools in 2020, with a vision to open nine academies across the country. These schools are designed to develop grassroots talent and provide a direct path into professional football—an investment in both youth and the future of South African sport.
Beyond the Pitch: Hotels, Franchises, and Energy
Sono’s business interests stretch far beyond football. His Sawubona Hotels project—valued at R600 million—includes six hotels located in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Rustenburg. In a move to empower communities, up to 40% of shares in some of the hotels have been offered to local stakeholders.
He’s also made his mark in the fast food industry with several KFC franchise stores and was one of the early black investors in Exel Petroleum, which later merged with Sasol. His investment portfolio also includes significant stakes in the mining, tech, and engineering sectors.
