China Maja

Adapted from a conversation with China Maja on the Follow Forward Podcast

The final episode of Follow Forward Season 1 featured an old friend of mine, China Maja. We shared some incredible experiences together in the early 2000s – conducting outreach through football in diverse places such as Mali, Mozambique and Eswatini.

In many respects, the episode epitomises why we developed the Follow Forward podcast. We share real stories from global voices, with a focus on Christ-centred servant leadership. We are also an Africa-facing podcast, seeking to tell African stories and inspire emerging leaders across the continent. China’s story embodies all of these themes.

Raised in a small town in South Africa, China left home at 12 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer, joining an academy in Johannesburg.

“I packed up my bags at 12 years old, left home… I said, ‘I want to go chase after my dream.’”

That courageous step would lead him on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Although a professional football career did not unfold as he had imagined, opportunities eventually opened up for him to play college soccer in the United States.

“I didn’t know what I was walking into… didn’t know anybody… but I just had to be faithful.”

“This door was the only one that was open… I followed through… just stepped out in faith.”

After graduating and spending several years working in banking, China found himself back on the football pitch, but this time as a leader and mentor. Today, he directs KOSA (Kick Off Soccer Academy) in the United States while also expanding its impact into South Africa, investing in young people in his home country.

The Danger of Shortcuts

One of the most powerful lessons China shared was how football serves as a training ground not only for athletic excellence but also for character formation.

Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, he explained:

“If I’m sprinting to the line… but then I don’t get there, I just cut corners… that becomes part of my character.”

“In life, I’m always going to be doing similar things… always going to find ways to cut corners.”

The connection is simple yet profound. The habits we develop in small moments shape the people we become. Sport provides a unique environment for character development through teaching discipline, perseverance and integrity. As China models Christlike character, his players learn not only how to compete but also how to live.

His coaching goes beyond developing better footballers; it is about forming young men and women whose character will sustain them beyond the pitch.

An Inspiring Endorsement

The impact of China’s leadership was further highlighted in a response we received from the parent of a young player at KOSA. After listening to the podcast episode, he wrote:

“You guys need to check out this podcast featuring Coach China, my son’s soccer coach. I learned a lot about Coach from hearing him speak about his life and how and why he started KOSA and his vision for the future. The most important thing I learned was how much his faith in God has led him in everything he does.

Quote from Coach China: ‘Don’t cut corners, don’t go halfway, because in life, whether we like it or not, that becomes part of us as we move on. Whether it’s jobs, whether it’s relationships, we’re always going to find that. But if you stretch yourself, your character becomes that, then you’re always going to be.’

I think this quote is so right on, as this generation tends to want to cut corners and find the easy way to do things. I know now that God led us to KOSA and Coach China, and I have seen the influence Coach has had on my son. I have noticed a change in Noah over the past year, and especially this summer, as he is finally getting it. He is realising that being great requires hard work and dedication, and I can see that in him. I am so glad China is coaching my son!”

That feedback beautifully captures what Follow Forward is all about.

China follows Jesus and seeks to faithfully live out his faith through all the twists and turns of life. Young footballers follow China. His character points them to Christ. Through following his example, they learn what it means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

This is why I believe we need to focus more on followership than leadership. Our leadership will be impactful to the extent that we ourselves are faithfully following Jesus.

As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1–2:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

The challenge for all of us is simple: follow forward, and don’t cut corners along the way.

*To find out more about the Follow Forward Podcast, click here.
To listen to China’s interview, choose your preferred platform: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.