The former Platinum Star, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and SuperSport United winger has explained how he honoured a promise to lift his family through football.
Phala opened up about how the death of his father became a driving force in his career and how his mother’s guidance kept his childhood promise alive.
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THUSO PHALA’S CAREER TOOK CARE OF HIS FAMILY
The Soweto-born former player’s professional journey spanned nearly two decades, featuring stints at major clubs, where he won four major trophies.
“When he passed away, my mom immediately took over,” Phala told the Omniaudioafrica podcast. “Yeah, she took me to training now.
“And then, for me, she also gave me the motivation that, you know, now my dad is not here, now it is my mom. My mom said, you made a promise to your dad that you will become a professional player and one day buy us a house.”
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On the international stage, Phala earned over 20 caps for Bafana Bafana and represented South Africa at the 2013 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, officially retiring from professional football in late 2023.
Phala said he honoured that promise as soon as he could. “The first thing I did when I got my first good contract, I bought my family a house. Come Mother’s Day, bought my mom a house.
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“You know, I took my sisters to school. So, and that was the promise that I made to my dad. My dad, he was a taxi driver.”
Reflecting on his journey, Phala explained how his mother kept him grounded even as his career flourished. “When things got better, my mom kept me grounded. You know, this is what you wanted, and you got there. Now you must keep them,” he added.
“She kept that dream alive for me, and she made sure that I was achieving,” Phala concluded.
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