Versatile TS Galaxy player Mpho Mvelase has explained why older players should be kept at PSL clubs rather than discarded.
The 35-year-old is enjoying his first Galaxy season since moving from Marumo Gallants, who were relegated from the SA elite league to the second-tier at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Mvelase is a well-traveled player in the PSL, having played for teams such as Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and Polokwane City FC. He joined a Galaxy side that also has veterans like Vuyo Mere [40], Lindokuhle Mbatha [38] and Bernard Parker, who is also 38.
Mvelase, who can play as a left and right back and in midfield, has explained why he feels older players have made an impact, not just on the field of play.
WHY THE OLDER PLAYERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CLUBS
“For me, I think age is not a problem at all; it’s all about what the teams think about their structures,” he told FARPost.
“For example, here at Galaxy having Bernard Parker, Vuyo Mere, [Lindokuhle] Mbatha, [Samir] Nurkovic, myself, [Pogiso] Sanoka, these are people who played more than 150 games in the PSL. They are motivational players who talk to young players who come to the higher ranks in the PSL.”
MPHO MVELASE INSIST AGE IS JUST A NUMBER AND DOESN’T MATTER
“So it’s about how players deliver for the team. I will also talk about Themba Zwane, who is the same age as me. One of the best players in South Africa. If you were to make him available, all teams would want to sign him because of what he brings to the field. They will all forget about his age,” he said.
“So I will plead with the clubs and the coaches that they must consider giving the older players more chances to be part of the team. There are so many players who are old but still deliver. I don’t think age is a problem, but people make age a problem in South Africa.”
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