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Thabang Matuludi reflects on his humble beginnings

Polokwane City FC defender Thabang Matuludi has detailed his football journey, where he started as a winger playing for his school teachers’ club in Jane Furse, Limpopo.

Matuludi has been one of the most sought-after right-backs in the Betway Premiership after his performances last season.

He was also rewarded with a call-up to the Bafana Bafana 2024 COSAFA CUP squad. But it was at Kgahlanamorulana secondary school in the Sekhukhune District where it all started for the 25-year-old.

HOW THABANG MATULUDI WAS RECRUITED TO PURSUE HIS FOOTBALL JOURNEY

“My teacher Lux Malaka recruited me to his team playing in the Local Football Association [LFA] when I was 17,” Matuludi told FARPost.

“I was just playing for my school at that time. So, I played for his team for one and a half seasons. I then moved to King Born FC for a season and a half.”

Matuludi was then signed by Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side The Dolphins in 2019 where he also won the provincial championship. In all the clubs he played as either a left or a right-winger.

He explains how, in one of the matches, he had to cover as a right-back and has never looked back.

“I was still under 23 at that time, so when we went to the [ABC Motsepe National] playoffs, our regular right-back was taken off, and I had to move to his position,” he explained.

Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi reflects on football journey
Thabang Matuludi

HOW THE MOVE TO BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SIDE POLOKWANE CITY CAME ABOUT

“So after the playoffs, we had a friendly match against Polokwane City, and I was playing as a right back. Clinton Larsen and Willy Moloto were the coaches at that time, and they told me they were impressed. So Polokwane signed me as a right-back.”

The 25-year-old has been part of the Rise and Shine side since 2021 while they were still in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

“I have played in almost all the matches since I arrived here. The games that I have played are because I was suspended.”

“I am not really surprised by the recognition from football fans. For me, it just means that I should continue to work hard and believe that one day I will prosper.

“Obviously, as a player, you would want to play at the highest level and go abroad. But at the end of the day, you need to make money and nothing else.”

RELATED STORY: Thabang Matuludi comments on transfer interests from Betway Prem clubs

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