Makudubela lifts lid on conversation with Tau before his Yanga switch

SA winger Mahlatse Makudubela has lifted the lid on a conversation he had with Bafana Bafana and Al Ahly star Percy Tau before his move to Tanzanian giants, Yanga SC.

The 34-year-old footballer joined Yanga on a one-year deal in July 2023 when his contract with Marumo Gallants came to an end.

Since joining the Tanzanian club, Makudubela has played in two games for Yanga in the CAF Champions League. He has struggled for game time in domestic football, making only a handful of appearances from the bench.

MAHLATSE MAKUDUBELA ON WHY SA PLAYERS ARE NOT OPEN TO PLAY OUTSIDE THE COUNTY

In a conversation with the SA Football Journalists’ Association [SAFJA], Makudubela revealed what he discussed with the Red Devils frontman, Tau, before he secured his move to Tanzania.

He went on to divulge how they used to discuss why many SA players are not keen to play football outside the country.

“Firstly, I would say South Africa is a beautiful country to go outside Africa. You find people talking about South Africa and you then realise you are in a very good space and a good country,” said Makudubela.

“So, everything is not far-fetched; we can reach it without extending our hands that much. And you then realise people are in their comfort zone, and we live a comfortable and fair life.

“Therefore, people don’t want to grow outside their comfort zone, and that’s where good and great growth comes from.”

THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN MAHLATSE MAKUDUBELA AND PERCY TAU

Makudubela also touched on some challenges they discussed with Tau that make SA players think twice about playing away from home.

“I used to speak a lot with Percy Tau and discuss about the challenges we face as footballers playing away from home,” he added.

“One of the major things is the language barrier, you know. But I think is the mentality of saying I want to challenge myself as a player. I think most South African players should expand their wings and challenge themselves as individuals because there are a whole lot of things to learn out there from different cultures and people.

“I can again say that you can never learn and grow in your comfort zone. So, I think is more of finding yourself as an individual.”

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