Raymond Mdaka is a respected South African football coach known for his tactical expertise and leadership. Born in Ga-Mokgwathi village, Limpopo, he has dedicated many years to the sport. Holding a CAF A Licence, he is recognized as a top-level coach in African football. Mdaka has managed teams such as Marumo Gallants and South Africa’s U20 national team, emphasizing possession-based football and attacking play. Inspired by Pep Guardiola, he integrates similar strategies into his coaching. His journey from a teacher to an esteemed football tactician reflects his passion and commitment to the game.
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Profile
Full Name: Raymond Mdaka
Date of Birth: January 1, 1970
Age: 55 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Ga-Mokgwathi village, Limpopo, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Education:
– High School: Gwambeni High School, Xihoko
– College: Giyani College of Education (Teaching Degree)
Coaching Certification: CAF A Licence
Early Life
Growing up in Ga-Mokgwathi village, Mdaka was immersed in a football-loving community. From an early age, he displayed a deep passion for the game, spending hours playing with friends on dusty fields. Encouraged by family and local mentors, he pursued his dreams despite limited resources. Initially trained as a teacher, his love for football ultimately led him to coaching.
Mdaka began his coaching career with small teams in the ABC Motsepe League, where he developed a reputation for inspiring players and demonstrating a keen tactical understanding. His early experiences laid a strong foundation for his future success, showcasing his perseverance and dedication to football.
Education
Mdaka completed his high school studies at Gwambeni High School in Xihoko before earning a teaching degree at Giyani College of Education. Despite qualifying as a teacher, his passion for football never faded. He later attained a CAF A Licence, a prestigious certification in African coaching, enabling him to progress in his career.
Additionally, he served as a SAFA instructor, training and evaluating aspiring coaches. His educational background played a key role in shaping his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes both technical skill development and tactical awareness.
Family
Mdaka was raised in a large family as the sixth of nine children. His family supported his football ambitions, even as he transitioned from teaching to coaching.
Career
Mdaka has been involved in football coaching for many years. In the early 2000s, he managed ABC Motsepe League teams like Xihoko Mountains and City Pillars’ Young Stars. He later became an assistant coach at Dynamos, working alongside coaches such as Jacob Sakala between 2006 and 2007.
His expertise extended beyond club coaching—Mdaka also worked as a SAFA instructor before joining Marumo Gallants in October 2021. As caretaker coach, he played a vital role in improving the team’s performance.
In 2024, he was appointed manager of South Africa’s U20 national team. His preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, reflecting his philosophy of controlled possession and attacking play.
FAQs
Who is Raymond Mdaka?
Raymond Mdaka is a South African football coach who has managed teams such as Marumo Gallants and South Africa’s U20 national team.
What is his age?
Born on January 1, 1970, Mdaka is 55 years old as of 2025.
Where was he born?
Mdaka hails from Ga-Mokgwathi village, Limpopo, South Africa.
Which teams has he coached?
He has coached Xihoko Mountains, City Pillars’ Young Stars, Dynamos, Marumo Gallants, and South Africa’s U20 team.
What is his coaching style?
He admires Pep Guardiola’s tactics and prioritizes possession-based football with a strong emphasis on attacking play.