Eyes on the Ball
/Ronnie Makaramba pursues his goals relentlessly
By Ellen Orr
Cristiano Ronaldo, inarguably one of the greatest soccer players of all time, said, “Talent without hard work is nothing.” Coach, teacher, and semi-professional athlete Ronald “Ronnie” Makaramba has embodied strong work ethic from a young age.
Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ronnie as a child displayed a natural aptitude for soccer—and a deep passion for it. His parents, both highly educated, insisted upon an English-language education, which served Ronnie well. His mother worked as a flight attendant during Ronnie’s childhood, and she took him to Europe multiple times. When, at 17, Ronnie had the opportunity to move to Manchester to attend Manchester International College, he seized it, emboldened by his travel experience.
Once settled in Manchester, Ronnie’s primary goal was to get signed by an agency—a group of consultants who would send player footage to universities and help players obtain scholarships.
“Sometimes I would skip school to go to tryouts,” he said. “I failed and failed until one day I finally passed.” United Sports USA signed Ronnie and dispersed his reels. He was soon recruited to play for Lassen Community College in Susanville, California.
As an international student, Ronnie’s work opportunities were limited. Alongside other immigrants, most of them from Mexico, he poured concrete for a construction company and then joined a landscaping crew—jobs that were incredibly taxing, especially in conjunction with soccer. When the opportunity arose to work as a high-end detailer, Ronnie jumped at the chance to do something slightly less physically demanding.
As it turned out, Ronnie was suited for detailing luxury vehicles. “I have OCD, so I’m pretty particular, and I paid attention to the little details,” he explained. On Lamborghinis, Ferraris, private jets, and other high-dollar vehicles, Ronnie developed skills that would continue to serve him in unexpected ways.
The Lassen coach knew Don Koontz, the coach at Texas A&M–Texarkana. Koontz recruited Ronnie to join their fledgling program. “The coach was really open with me,” he recalled. “He said, ‘Our team is not all that. If you’re looking for a place to come and help build a program, then this is the place.’” Ronnie didn’t hesitate.
Ronnie jumped at the opportunity to play at Texas A&M-Texarkana and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in program history. (submitted photo)
When he graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, the soccer team had finally made it to the playoffs for the first time in the program’s history. “Even though I didn’t come up with a ring, that was a win for me,” Ronnie said. “It was a big step [for the program].”
Ronnie with his former coach Don Koontz.
In Texarkana, Ronnie faced the same obstacles to employment that he had in California—but now he knew that he had a marketable skill in luxury detailing. He started washing cars at his house, hiring his housemates to assist. He quickly developed a top-notch reputation.
“I got ‘cheers’ in ‘Cheers and Jeers’ [the popular local Facebook group] like five times,” he laughed. “It blew up.”
One of many loyal customers was Morgan Smith, owner of TXK Gameday. Ronnie had a passion for new media, having produced many of his own highlight reels and audition tapes. He asked Smith for an internship, and Smith agreed.
“I don’t necessarily have a plan, but whenever I see an opportunity, I take it.”
After three months interning, Ronnie was promoted to full-time employee, producing not only sports videos but also all sorts of video projects, including commercials for another of Smith’s companies, TXK Marketing.
“Morgan Smith played a big part in mentoring me in the media industry,” he said. “I owe him a lot. He taught me and helped me realize this talent I had.”
Smith’s mentorship led Ronnie to found his own media company, Clean Visuals. He primarily produces video for realtors and weddings.
Over his three years at TXK Gameday, Ronnie made professional connections throughout the community. One such connection was with Ronnie Thompson (henceforth referred to as Thompson), the superintendent at Liberty Eylau ISD. Ronnie produced public service announcements as well as other district materials for LE. One evening, he was filming at a sports banquet and started chatting with a group of people who happened to be on the school board. Impressed by Ronnie’s story and charm, they encouraged him to join the district.
Ronnie’s love for video production led him to be a teacher for the Liberty Eylau TV program. (submitted photo)
“They said LE could use a soccer coach, and I was like, ‘Where do I sign up?’” Ronnie said. The district’s soccer program had been all but defunct for many years, and they needed leadership to rebuild.
Ronnie is active in the local soccer community, as both a coach and player. (submitted photo)
Ronnie contacted Thompson, who had already heard from the aforementioned board members. Thompson presented a bigger opportunity than Ronnie could have imagined: to revive and lead both the soccer program and the audiovisual program. “I’d have been an idiot to pass that up,” he said.
Having just completed his first school year as a teacher and coach, Ronnie is proud of all his students have accomplished. “The LE TV program has skyrocketed,” he said. “The kids have picked it up so well. They love my class, and we have a great time.”
On the field, Ronnie’s players are in a position he himself was in just a few years ago at A&M: they are building. The players are meeting the challenges head-on, with enthusiasm and respect for their coach. Ronnie suspects that they recognize his own passion and dedication, not only as a coach but also as a current semi-professional player.
Since 2020, Ronnie has been a defender for the Arkansas Wolves, a semi-pro team based in Little Rock.
Ronnie is currently a defender for the Arkansas Wolves, a semi-professional team based in Little Rock. (submitted photo)
“Four years ago, I could not join a semi-pro team,” he said. “I went to three tryouts.” But he continued to improve his game and, during his senior year at A&M, he traveled to Little Rock for his fourth semi-pro tryout. “I got signed right then and there; out of 100 people, only three people were chosen,” he said.
Ronnie and his wife, JordYn, are parents to two-year-old Malakhi.
Ronnie still dreams of one day playing professionally, but for now, he is happy as an educator, a business owner, and an active member of the Texarkana soccer community—and a husband and father. He and his wife, Jordyn, have one child: two-year-old Malakhi.
Ronnie has big goals, both personally and professionally, and he knows from experience that achieving them is a matter of tenacity and faith.
“I don’t necessarily have a plan,” he said, “but whenever I see an opportunity, I take it.”