After making his senior Amakhosi debut as a 75th-minute substitute against Golden Arrows on Tuesday, 21-year-old midfielder, Thulani Mabaso has revealed more regarding who he is, where he comes from – and what he hopes to achieve going forward.
Mabaso answered six questions before departing for Zambia, where Kaizer Chiefs will face Zesco United in a CAF Confederation Cup group D encounter on Sunday, 25 January.
Kick-off is at 15:00 (SA time).
Who is Thulani Mabaso?
I am a boy from Soweto, Meadowlands. I began playing for Meadowlands Academy in their development ranks. Then, I was at Stars of Africa for a few months and Coach Tshidiso Letsholonyane spoke to my father and then asked if I wanted to join them or stay where I was. I chose Chiefs and started playing the U15s.
From the U15s, I was promoted to U17 and the U19s, where I only played a few games. We participated in the provincial Engen tournament and, after winning it, we went on to win the Engen Champ of Champs. From there, I went straight to the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC).
I started in the DDC team at age 17. Coach Vela (Khumalo) introduced me into the team gradually and in my first two seasons, I didn’t play much, but then I broke into the team and got more game time.
On touring overseas with the DDC team
The trip to the UK was an amazing experience. I learned a great deal by seeing the differences between Europe and South Africa. I told myself that whatever I learn overseas, I must use back home, and it has already brought improvements to my game.
On being part of Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season camp in Europe
Travelling on the pre-season tour to the Netherlands was also very good for me.
To be around experienced players helped me to understand what it takes to be a professional footballer. In football, you never stop learning so I am grateful to have been there to pick up some tips that I will carry forward.
It was a good tour. I was happy to get a chance to play and prove that I am capable of playing at the highest level.
On making his senior debut for Amakhosi
I think everyone knows that playing for Kaizer Chiefs is everyone’s dream.
From the moment I stepped on the pitch I thought, “just believe in yourself”, because in life sometimes you only get one chance so I have to make the most of it.
On his endearing celebrations with a group of spectators afterwards
Those were some of my coaches and team-mates from Meadowlands Academy when I was about 12 years old, who came to support me.
It was really emotional, a great feeling, seeing them there to support me. It is something you can’t really explain. It reminds you of where you come from. A special moment that will remain in my heart forever.
On his ambitions
I want to win trophies for Kaizer Chiefs because this is a big club, a winning team, so we have to win cups and make our fans happy.
Our supporters spend their hard-earned money, sometimes their last cent, to come and watch us, and we have to give our all on the pitch for them as well as us.
I promise to work my hardest to help us to put some silverware in the trophy cabinet.
Do you believe Thulani Mabaso has what it takes to be a Kaizer Chiefs legend one day?
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