Full Name: John Comitis
Date of Birth: [Date of birth not publicly available]
Place of Birth: South Africa
Profession: Football Executive, Entrepreneur, Former Professional Footballer
Notable Roles: Co-founder of Ajax Cape Town, Founder and Chairman of Cape Town City FC
Early Career and Football Roots
John Comitis began his journey in football as a professional player before transitioning into football administration and entrepreneurship. His passion for the sport and keen business acumen laid the foundation for his influential role in South African football. He played for Hellenic, Wits and Jomo Cosmos.
Picture provided by Sam Mathe
Co-founding Ajax Cape Town
In 1999, Comitis co-founded Ajax Cape Town, a collaboration between Dutch giants AFC Ajax and South African clubs Seven Stars and Cape Town Spurs. This venture aimed to develop local talent and integrate European football methodologies into South African football. Comitis served as chairman until 2013, when he sold his shares in the club.
Establishing Cape Town City FC
In 2016, recognizing the need for a vibrant football presence in Cape Town, Comitis purchased the franchise rights of the defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces FC. He relocated the club to Cape Town and rebranded it as Cape Town City FC, reviving the name of a historic club from the 1960s and 70s.
Under his leadership, Cape Town City FC quickly established itself as a competitive force in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), winning the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2016 and the MTN 8 in 2018. The club has also been a runner-up in the MTN 8 in 2017 and 2021.
Vision for Infrastructure and Community Engagement
Comitis has been a strong advocate for developing football infrastructure in Cape Town. He spearheaded plans for a dedicated 10,000-seater stadium at Hartleyvale, aiming to provide Cape Town City FC with a permanent home and to foster community engagement through sports.
Other Business Interests
Steers franchises
Property
Leadership and Challenges
As chairman, Comitis has navigated various challenges, including addressing internal club matters and advocating for the club’s interests within the broader football community. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, community involvement, and a commitment to elevating the standards of South African football.
Family
John says that his biggest wealth is his children, Michel, Helene, Luca and Marco. His family has given him the support he needs. His son, Michel Comitis, is the commercial director of Cape Town City. He is credited with doing most of the work behind the scenes.
Michel himself has a lot of experience as a soccer player and an all-round athlete:
As a Sophomore at Brown University, he appeared in 12 matches. Before joining Brown University, he played for the Ajax Cape Town Academy in France, the Netherlands and Japan. He was a Hiroshima Peace Cup All-Tournament selection, he made the Western Cape Provincial Team Selection five times and he was an Engen Cup Winner in 2011.
He also played basketball in high school at Bishops Diocesan College, captaining the team, which helped to a League Championship and a Cup Championship in 2011.
Legacy and Impact
John Comitis’s contributions to South African football are marked by his visionary approach to club development, talent nurturing, and community integration. His efforts have not only revitalized football in Cape Town but have also set a precedent for club management and development in the country.
Summary Profile
Name: John Comitis
Profession: Football Executive, Entrepreneur
Clubs Associated With:
– Ajax Cape Town (Co-founder and Chairman, 1999–2013)
– Cape Town City FC (Founder and Chairman, 2016–present)
Achievements:
– Telkom Knockout Cup Winner (2016)
– MTN 8 Winner (2018)
Initiatives:
– Development of Hartleyvale Stadium
– Community engagement programs through Cape Town City FC
