Orbit College FC coach Pogiso Makhoye has revealed what he told former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Given Thibedi after giving his career another lifeline in the PSL.
Thibedi parted ways with fellow Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars during the January transfer window period.
After breaking into the Chiefs senior team in 2018, Thibedi was tipped as a future star in South African football. However, he struggled to establish himself at Amakhosi and was subsequently loaned to Moroka Swallows, where he later sealed a permanent move.
Thibedi, now 27, also failed to make a mark at the ‘Dube Birds’ before his move to the Mpumalanga-based side, Casric Stars. He featured regularly in the 2023/24 season but struggled for game time during the recently concluded campaign before he was released.
GIVEN THIBEDI HAS IMPRESSED SINCE MAKING HIS DEBUT AT ORBIT COLLEGE
The midfielder has since revived his career at the North West-based side, Orbit College, under the highly-qualified coach Makhoye.
“Maybe that’s why these players are playing for me. The boy suits our model of play,” Makhoye explained to FARPost.
“I called him [Thibedi] to say: ‘I want to show South Africa that you are not finished’, and he is proving that. He fits like a glove with the type of football we are playing. I think we will help him showcase his talent.
“We will continue to give him the support because everybody wrote him off. I told him that this is a lifeline and we will help him. From my side, I will help him, but he needs to do his part and help himself. To make sure that everybody knows, Given Thibedi still has a talent. The boy has helped us.”
Thibedi will be hoping to play a key role as Orbit aim for promotion to the Betway Premiership next season, having secured a spot in the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs. Orbit finished the season strongly, claiming second position on the second-tier league log standings.
Casric Stars, who secured third place in the SA second-tier, will join Orbit in the playoffs. These two teams are set to battle it out against the club that finishes 15th in the Betway Premiership.
The highly-anticipated playoffs are scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
RELATED STORY: Casric Stars make decision on ex-Chiefs midfielder Given Thibedi