There is a specific kind of pressure that comes with being a 21-year-old in a Kaizer Chiefs jersey. It’s a weight made of history, high expectations, and the collective anxiety of a fan base desperate for a return to the glory days. But for Thulani Mabaso, who stepped onto the FNB Stadium turf in the 75th minute against Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night, that weight felt a lot like home.
Mabaso isn’t an overnight sensation found in a scouting highlight reel. He is a product of the slow-burn grind of South African youth football. His journey started at Meadowlands Academy before a brief stint at the famed Stars of Africa. It was there that a pivotal conversation between Coach Tshidiso Letsholonyane and Mabaso’s father changed everything.
Presented with the choice to stay put or leap into the unknown, Mabaso chose Naturena, entering the Kaizer Chiefs ranks at the Under-15 level.
MABASO AND THE MEADOWLANDS CONNECTION
“I am a boy from Soweto, Meadowlands,” he says, with the groundedness of someone who hasn’t forgotten the dust of the township pitches.
His rise wasn’t a straight line. It was a patient climb through the U-17 and U-19 ranks, where he tasted success in the provincial Engen tournament and the Engen Champ of Champs. By 17, he was thrust into the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC)] under Coach Vela Khumalo. It wasn’t an immediate explosion; it took two full seasons of “gradual introduction” before he finally broke through as a mainstay on the reserve side.
Known affectionately as ‘Touch’ by those close to the ground, Mabaso has become the personification of the “lead by example” mantra. As captain of the DDC side, he was the heartbeat of a team that made history last season, clinching Amakhosi’s first-ever reserve title with a record-shattering 70 points.
His leadership hasn’t just been vocal, it’s been visible. During the club’s recent UK tour, Mabaso netted twice in two games against international opposition, including a crucial performance in London. For him, the trip wasn’t just about the sights, it was about the standard. “If we can triumph over international teams, it proves we have the capability to return home and defend our title,” he noted at the time. He has been the primary driver of the quest to become the first team to ever defend the DDC trophy, a mission he described as “monumental.”
A REALITY CHECK BY CHIEFS CO-COACH KAZE
While the fans were busy celebrating a new star on Tuesday night, co-coach Cedric Kaze was quick to dampen the hype with a sobering reality check. For Kaze, Mabaso’s debut wasn’t just a feel-good story. It was a rare example of a player actually earning his stripes in a system he believes is too soft on youth.
“I believe that here in South Africa we give too much gifts to the young players,” Kaze said bluntly following the 1-0 win.
Kaze revealed that despite Mabaso’s strong pre-season in the Netherlands, the technical team intentionally sent him back to the reserves to test his mental fortitude. He followed a similar path to Naledi Hlongwane, another rising star forced to prove his consistency away from the limelight. “We wanted to see if he could be consistent,” Kaze explained. “He’s a player with character, and he doesn’t shy away when he plays with players with experience.”
Taking to social media to reflect on the milestone, Mabaso’s words echoed the humility his coach praised.
“I’m truly grateful and humbled to have made my first-team debut,” he posted on Instagram. “Coming through the Kaizer Chiefs youth ranks to this moment is something I’ve always dreamed of… This is just the first step.”
The raw emotion of the night peaked after the final whistle. Mabaso was spotted celebrating with a group of fans who had been there since he was 12, his original coaches and teammates from Meadowlands Academy. “It reminds you of where you come from,” he says. “A special moment that will remain in my heart forever.”
THE MISSION AHEAD FOR MABASO AND CHIEFS
As Chiefs prepare for a daunting CAF Confederation Cup trip to face Zesco United in Zambia, Mabaso sounds less like a wide-eyed rookie and more like a man who understands the socio-economics of the local game. He knows that for many Amakhosi fans, a match ticket isn’t just a luxury, it’s a sacrifice.
“Our supporters spend their hard-earned money, sometimes their last cent, to come and watch us,” he says. “I promise to work my hardest to help us put some silverware in the trophy cabinet.”
RELATED STORY: Cedric Kaze’s brutal reality check for PSL youngsters