What a player. Former Orlando Pirates striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane has revealed the real story behind his famous “east and west” dance, a heartfelt tribute to his people in Mamelodi, Tshwane.
The man affectionately known as “Juju” became a fan favourite for his knack of scoring in big matches and for his infectious energy after finding the net.
While he netted 22 goals in 116 appearances for the Buccaneers, those strikes came at crucial moments, helping the club lift two league titles, two (SAA Supa8) MTN8 trophies, and one (Telkom Knockout) Carling Knockout.
ORLANDO PIRATES LEGEND THULASIZWE MBUYANE EXPLAINS THE JUJU DANCE
Speaking to Jabu Mahlangu on the Diski and Shandis YouTube podcast, Mbuyane finally explained the story behind the famous “east and west” move.
“It’s east and west. In Mamelodi, there is only east and west,” he said.
“There is no north and south. I wanted to show that I am from Mamelodi. It was my way of paying tribute to where I come from and saying thank you to my community, even though I was playing for a team from Johannesburg.
The 41-year-old revealed that he never represented Mamelodi Sundowns, not even at youth level, despite growing up just a few streets away from their home ground. “Sundowns’ juniors were always fully kitted. I didn’t have soccer boots; I was playing barefoot,” he recalled. “I told myself that one day, I will haunt them.”
From being a ball-boy at the HJ Mpejie Stadium watching heroes like Joel “Fire” Masilela, Bennet Gama, and Themba Mnguni, Mbuyane went on to make his mark on the big stage.
ROAD TO SOWETO
He began his professional journey at the now-defunct Garankuwa United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before moving to Free State Stars in the Betway Premiership.
His rise earned him a move to Soweto, where he became part of a golden Orlando Pirates era. Later, he featured for Mpumalanga Black Aces and Royal Eagles before hanging up his boots.
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