How Chippa helped Pirates defender Mthethwa become a better footballer

Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa has opened up about how the  Gqeberha-based side Chippa United has helped him develop into a good player in the DStv Premiership.

The Ngwelezane-born footballer started playing the beautiful game at the age of eight years when he turned out for a junior team called Shooting Stars.

At the age of 14, he then joined the amateur side Flamingo which was participating in the KwaZulu-Natal SAB League in 2011 until he was spotted at the provincial trials by the KZN Academy in 2013. 

With his God-given talent, he was signed by the Buccaneers in 2015. But, the 25-year-old centre-back spent most of his time on loan spells. 

He had a stint with Richards Bay while still competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before joining the Chilli Boys in the 2019/20 season. 

Mthethwa returned back to the Soweto giants in June 2022 but struggled to get some game time. 

However, in a turn of events, Mthethwa has been so rapid, having featured for the Sea Robbers against All Stars and Swallows.

He shows signs of growing in influence as a defender, and willingness to do his job wholeheartedly.

MTHETHWA THANKFUL FOR CHIPPA UNITED’S OPPORTUNITY 

The talented defender reckons that joining Chippa was a blessing to his career as he earned his top-flight debut at the club and has managed to gain a lot of experience in the process. 

“It helped me a lot because I got a lot of experience playing in the PSL,” said Mthethwa.

“Remember, that’s where I started playing in the PSL [top flight].”

“So, I think I got a lot of information and experience from Chippa United, and I’m grateful for the chance that they gave me to be able to play for them in the Premiership,” he added. 

“I’m here [at Orlando Pirates] and I’m capable of what I’m doing right now because of that club.”

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