Neo Rapoo opens up on playing alongside his idol Thulani Hlatshwayo
SuperSport United rising star Neo Rapoo has spoken about playing alongside his idol Thulani Hlatshwayo in the South African elite league.
The promising young talent – Rapoo, from SuperSport, has quickly established himself as a key player for coach Gavin Hunt. He has made a strong start to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, becoming a regular in the starting line-up of Matsatsantsa.
The 19-year-old has already made seven appearances across all competitions, contributing to three clean sheets for his team. Rapoo’s impressive performances in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] with the reserve team led to his promotion to the first team in the 2022/23 season.
In an interview with FARPost, Rapoo expressed his disbelief at the opportunity to share the field with his idol, Thulani Hlatshwayo.
WHAT NEO RAPOO SAID ABOUT SHARING THE DRESSING ROOM WITH THULANI HLATSHWAYO
Rampoo credits Hlatshwayo for playing a significant role in his development and continues to seek guidance from the experienced defender through regular conversations.
“It’s definitely amazing; there is a picture I took with Tyson. I started from the soccer schools here, I was 12 or 13 years I guess,” Rapoo told FARPost.
“When I heard he was signing for SuperSport, my mom was like, ‘The guy who took a picture with me so long ago, now you’re playing with him’.
“I was out of this world; I was so happy, I didn’t know what to say, seeing a person that I look up to and now I’m playing with him. I think it shows that I have managed to be grounded and kept working hard.
“But he’s so hard on me; he knows coach Gavin more than me; they were together at [BidVest] Wits. Whenever we get time, we talk, and he advises me to keep on working hard and to listen to the coach’s instructions. He encourages me to keep on working hard, even in my personal time, so I keep fit.”
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