Chatsworth footballer honours late father with new club

The pride radiating from Clinton Jawahir last weekend could not be captured in words — only felt. Fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own football club, Clinton now manages and coaches Jawahir FC, based in Chatsworth.

Last weekend, his side defeated Westcliff FC in the semi-final of the Chatsworth FA Cup, booking their place in next weekend’s final at the 1016 Sports Ground in Woodhurst against Friends 11. 

From registration paperwork to finding equipment, Clinton and his wife Tarryn have done it all themselves. With no major sponsors or staff, the couple poured time and passion into keeping their club alive — and now, it’s paying off.

Despite being under-resourced and still in their infancy, Jawahir FC Division 2 pulled off a stunning victory against Westcliff to secure their spot in the final.

“I was beyond happy,” Clinton said.

“It felt like all the hard work my wife and I put in was worth it. It’s just me and her right now — we handle everything from admin to coaching. It’s not easy, but seeing the team reach the final made it all worthwhile.”

The club’s name carries deep emotional meaning. Jawahir FC was created in memory of Clinton’s late father, Veenai Jawahir, who played for Croftdene Football Club in the 1980s.

 “I named it after my dad because he’s the one who got me into football,” Clinton explained. “I remember him playing almost every weekend. Football is in my blood. I wanted to honour him and create something I can leave to my children.”

Now 44 years old, a husband and father, Clinton still enjoys playing in the Over-40 League while managing his transport company and running the club.

Balancing work, family, and football hasn’t been easy — but he’s learned to make it work. In fact, they haven't just survived, they've thrived - taking the Chatsworth league by storm and making a name for themselves against some of the more established clubs. 

“At first it was overwhelming, but I’ve gotten used to it. I’m thankful for my wife and two daughters. They’ve started coming to the ground and supporting us every game. I’m lucky to have them,” he said.

Like many local clubs, Jawahir FC face challenges with training facilities. The team currently uses Penguin Street Grounds in Woodhurst, but the lack of working lights makes evening sessions impossible.

Numerous earlier reports by Independent have highlighted the deteriorating state of Chatsworth’s public sports fields, many now maintained by clubs themselves. Still, Clinton remains positive.

“Look, it is what it is. We’re new — I don’t expect us to have the best facilities right away,” he said.

“The important thing is that we’re progressing and made the final. That’s a big achievement already.”