South African Soccer Hero

Marks Maponyane was born in Meadowlands, Soweto on 16 February 1962. He matriculated at Kelokitso High School in 1981. Maponyane turned professional in 1981 when he was spotted by South Africa 's Glamour Team, Kaizer Chiefs. While at Chiefs between 1981 and 1991 Chiefs won a total of thirty-five titles for both league and cup.

Maponyane was a Chiefs Captain between 1985 and 1988. The man affectionately known as Go-Man-Go by his fans, because he always went for goals even when the team was show boating! He earned himself several personal awards and respect from soccer lovers alike.

In 1983 Marks won the "Footballer of the Year" award. As if that wasn't enough in 1983 he also won the "South African Sport Hero of the Year" award. In 1987 and 1994 Maponyane was again crowned "South African Footballer of the Year", making him the only South African to be crowned with this title more than once.

Between 1992 and 1995 Maponyane played for Bafana Bafana and another South African glamour side, Orlando Pirates, for which he was also a captain. So colourful was Go-Man-Go's soccer career that he even has international experience where he played for Vitoria Setubal of Portugal and Grasshoper Zurich of Switzerland . Marks rounded off his illustrious career in 1998 with Wits University Football Club.

Marks Maponyane's off the field career is equally colourful. He has been married since 1985 and is blessed with two boys.

Marks worked for Premier Milling Company, he then moved to Adidas S.A. and Reebok S.A. before he opened his own company, which sources and supplies promotional gifts and corporate clothing. Marks has a marketing and promotional background.

In 1989 Marks started the motivational speaking career, since then he has never looked back. He speaks on various issues such as Teamwork, Quality, Positive Attitude, and Facing Changes in the Workplace.

Maponyane's football and business background, including his international travels, are the key to his vast knowledge on these issues. Go-Man-Go has been working for SABC Sport as a commentator since 1990 where he even commentates at World Cup and African Cup of Nation Tournaments. He was a finalist in the SAB Awards in the category "Best T.V. Commentator" in 2001.

Maponyane, who serves as a soccer analyst, also works for Radio 702 every Tuesday and Saturday on Sports Talk.

A real gentleman, a man of integrity, a real role model - that is how he has been described by many people including companies such as Consul Glass, Toyota SA and Nissan SA where he has presented motivational talks.

Marks hobbies include swimming, spinning, golf, road running and of course soccer with Chief's Masters (Legends) as a legend himself.