Meet Our CEO
James Shabangu was born in Soweto at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on the 8th September 1967. James Shabangu is the first born child of the late Alfred Mandlakayise and Maria Phethwayini Shabangu. He has a younger sister Sizeni Shabangu. James Shabangu is married to Modiehi Francina Shabangu and he's blessed with three Daughters in his marriage Zama, Asanda and Ntokozo Shabangu. James Shabangu has two sons out of wedlock, Thabo and Thulani Shabangu.
He started playing Football as a young boy in Dube, Soweto at the tender age of 6 for a Football Club called Dube Golden Boys which was established by a Football Legend called Eddie "No Peace in Germany" Majoe who used to play for Moroka Swallows Football Club.
James Shabangu also played for Football Teams in Rockville, White City Jabavu and Diepkloof Zone 5, Soweto in his junior years. In Dube, Soweto, he attended his Schooling at Sizanani Lower Primary and Jabavu Community Lower Primary Schools and later moved to Hoernlie Higher Primary School in Rockville, Soweto. His Mother then moved to Mpumalanga Province due to unrests in Soweto in the 1970's and 80's to stay with relatives.
James Shabangu was already in his midteens when he arrived in Mpumalanga where he continued with his Schooling at Eluyengweni Higher Primary School. It was at this School where he started to make a name for himself as a young Football Star blessed with an Educated Left Foot.
When he went to Lilanga Secondary School, James Shabangu was 15 years old and a house hold name for a local Football Club called Citizen. He also played for the 1st Division Team at Secondary School as he possessed amazing Football Skills.
When he turned 18 he was on the books of another Football Club called Amalanda and later started his own Football Club called James Mates which became one of the top Football Clubs in the area of Diepdale.
He went on to play for top Teams like Kappa from Amsterdam, Home Defenders from Lothair, Real Easy Walkers and Zebras in Piet Retief. Afterwards, he came back to Sowero with his family after the release of the Liberation Struggle Leaders from Prison. While back in Soweto he played in the morning show practice sessions at Elkah Stadium and was one of many players who formed the Chibuku Academy which was later called Transnet School of Excellence under Ted Dumitru, Sam Mbatha and Paradise Moeketsi. In 1991 he moved with his family to a new Township called Orange Farm. This was going to be the new home of James Shabangu.
He played for three Football Clubs in Orange Farm called Orange Farm Stars, Dangerous Hotspurs and Young Stars. On the 22nd February 1999, James Shabangu established a community based organisation called Dona's Mates Youth Development Project which it's main objective is to create opportunities for the children, young people and the youth through sporting activities while teaching life and social skills at the time to all participants.
Dona's Mates Youth Development Project is today a beacon of hope for many young people in Orange Farm and surrounding areas, thanks to James "Maradona" Shabangu, who is the CEO & Founder of the institution.
