TS Galaxy sensation, Mpho Mvelase, spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Soccer Laduma's Fan Park about his journey to professional football and his memorable season.
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The story
Defender-turned-midfielder, Mpho Mvelase has enjoyed a stellar campaign under the tutelage of Sead Ramovic at the Rockets this season.
Mvelase has taken well to his new role in the middle of the park at Galaxy, making 34 appearances in all competitions this season and pitching in with three goals as well as a solitary assist.
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The hardworking baller has been around the block and can maybe be considered as somewhat of a journeyman — having represented six clubs over the course of his career, including top-flight sides: Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City and Chippa United.
Speaking on his long journey to professional football, the 35-year-old, feels there more to come from him after this season, as he still has some goals to fulfill.
"Coming up as a young boy, I had dreams that I wanted and ended up achieving at a very young age. I still have some dreams, even now," says Mvelase, who has come a long way since his unsuccessful stint at the Buccaneers in his early twenties.
Now performing at the peak of his powers at the ripe age of 35, the Soweto born-and-bred baller is undoubtedly doing his childhood self proud with his showings this season.
"It's funny how I used to run away from home to play football and at the end of the day I would know that I would get a hiding because I would leave without telling anyone," reflects Mvelase.
Mvelase, who was relegated with Marumo Gallants last season after consistent performances that earned him the Defender of the Season at the club, is thoroughly enjoying his debut campaign with the Rockets, working under Ramovic.
"Coach Sead Ramovic is a very good coach. I've only had around 9/10 months with him so far and I've really enjoyed working under him. He wants players who show their talents, he wants players that work hard for what they want. He doesn't want things to come easy for you. That's what I like about Sead, he inspired me to never give up, to keep on fighting.
"What I also like about him is that he doesn't look at the age, whether you are 40 years or 35. We have Bernard Parker and Vuyo Mere who are older than me.
"He's a coach that wants the best for his players, he doesn't want to see his players struggle and complaining. He's given my teammates and I plenty of drive — to keep pushing and to work hard. The results followed and are still coming," added Mpho, who opened up about what helped them overachieve in the league this season.
"I knew that it wouldn't be easy this season because coach Sead turned me into a central midfielder. So, I tried to tell myself that I need to enjoy every game that comes, focus and try and help the team collect as many points as we can. Although, we have had some ups-and-downs as a team and individuals, we've managed to bring ourselves together," continued the ex-Buccaneer, crediting the club's trip to Europe for their form in the second stanza of the season.
"Going to Turkey for pre-season really helped us as a team because, you know how European teams are and how technically sound they are. So, yes we won some games, but I believe that it [the trip] really instilled something into the team that we know that we have to play quick, I know that I have to look at my teammate before receiving the ball, when and when not to run with the ball and when to open for the ball. I really think that Turkey trip helped my game this season," added Mvelase.
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