How George Maluleka and Lehlohonolo Nonyane inspire Tabiso Mpame
Tabiso Mpame has highlighted the significant influence that Kruger United’s veteran players, George Maluleka and Lehlohonolo Nonyane, have had on him throughout his youth and in more recent times.
The duo [Maluleka and Nonyane] are Mpame’s teammates at Kruger, competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Maluleka, 36, previously represented teams such as Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, AmaZulu FC, Ajax Cape Town, and AmaTuks.
Meanwhile, Nonyane, 38, has turned out for teams like Bidvest Wits, Jomo Cosmos, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Golden Arrows, Baroka FC, to mention a few.
Mpame signed for the Mpumalanga-based outfit in October last year after cutting ties with Casric Stars. The 28-year-old has played in 13 matches, scoring one goal and providing four assists at Kruger so far this season.
Kruger are currently placed fourth on the table with 40 points after 25 games. They are six points behind log leaders, Durban City FC.
TABISO MPAME ON GEORGE MALULEKA AND LEHLOHONOLO NONYANE’S INFLUENCE
Mpame reckons that Maluleka and Nonyane are more than just footballers to him — they serve as his inspiration, role models, and a constant reminder that dedication yields fruitful results.
“What great human beings, both of them in different ways. I mean, at some point in my life, I was watching these people playing at the highest level and winning trophies. George has won more than six trophies, and Monyane has also won some,” Mpame told FARPost.
“I think it is one of those elements that steer our ship in the right direction. To have our idols among us keeps reminding us that if they can do it, we can do it as well.
“We have some of the best senior players in Monyane and Maluleka. They are very humble and hard-working guys. You see them not playing sometimes, not because they are not good enough, and they don’t complain.”
Mpame continued: “They are teaching us to keep on fighting. Seeing them work hard without complaining gives us a perspective on life itself: no matter how much you can achieve and have, there’s still room for improvement, for you to have more, and for how to sustain yourself.”
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