Thabo Moloisane has spoken exclusively to the Siya crew on how Mamelodi Sundowns shaped him on the way to being the Bafana Bafana player he is today.
Moloisane has been a standout performer for Stellenbosch FC under Steve Barker, making his mark in the Betway Premiership and CAF Confederation Cup.
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While his current club has provided him with the platform to shine, the defender acknowledges that his journey to the top started long before his time in the Winelands.
Having spent nearly eight years at Sundowns, Moloisane credits the club for laying the foundation of his professional career.
From being scouted at a young age to developing under the guidance of some of the game's greats, Sundowns provided him with an environment that moulded him into the player he is today.
The late coach Mandla Mazibuko played a pivotal role in identifying his talent and bringing him into the Sundowns setup when football was nothing more than a pastime for him.
It was at the club that he transitioned from playing for fun to understanding the demands of professional football.
Learning under legends such as Godfrey Sapula and Isaac Shai, he was exposed to a high level of mentorship that prepared him for the challenges of top flight football.
Though he now thrives at Stellenbosch, Moloisane remains grateful for the invaluable lessons and development he received at the former African champions, acknowledging that without the club's influence in his formative years, he might not have reached this stage of his career.
"Look, I think I spent almost eight years at Sundowns, you know. I'm very grateful for the development that I got at Sundowns. They took me at home when I never really thought football would be a career that I'd choose, and I'm very grateful to them for that. I used to just play football for fun, and I was scouted by the late coach Mandla Mazibuko, and may his soul rest in peace. You get to Sundowns and you get into a professional setup as a young boy at 13-14 years of age, and it shows you what it takes to be a professional footballer. So, you must carry yourself," said Moloisane.
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"I got to be developed by possibly one of the greatest players of their time – the likes coach Godfrey Sapula and coach Isaac Shai. They were top players in their time, and I was grateful that I was able to get developed and guided through in my younger years from the legends of the game. I am grateful to Sundowns for what they've done for me, and I don't think I'd be where I am without the team," the Bafana defender added.
