Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thulani Mabaso said it was a dream to finally make his first team debut and admits the pre-season in the Netherlands was a major boost of his career ambitions.
Mabaso, 21, has been one of the standout players for the club in the reserve team, where they won the DStv Diski Challenge title last season before he was included in their pre-season tour in Europe.
Having been part of the reserve team since the age of 17, Mabaso was one of the experience players that also toured the United Kingdom for the Premier League NXT Gen tournament where they went up against Manchester United, Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers.
He stated the tour ‘helped’ in identifying the key difference between football in South Africa, in comparison to England, in which he’s hoping to apply to take his game to the next level.
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,” he told the club’s website.
“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.”
In reference to his official league debut, as he came on a second half substitute in the 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in mid-week at FNB Stadium, Mabaso admits it was something he’s been dreaming of for a while
“I think everyone knows that playing for 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,” he said.
“Those were some of my coaches and teammates 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.”
