Casric Stars attacker Mfundo Thikazi has opened up about a personal loss that derailed his progress in the Betway Premiership last year. Thikazi recently signed with the Motsepe Foundation Championship side on a free transfer after parting ways with Richards Bay FC, having spent less than six months at the club.
The highly-rated winger joined Bay at the start of the 2025/26 season. However, his stint was cut short. Before venturing into a new career path with the Natal Rich Boys, Thikazi was in the colours of Royal AM, where he made a name for himself.
During his time at Royal AM, Thikazi produced impressive performances, using his pace and skill to eliminate defenders and score goals. The 26-year-old featured in 78 appearances across all competitions for the KZN-based outfit, scored 12 goals, and provided two assists.
At the time, Thikazi established himself as one of the most talked-about wingers in the PSL, and the media also reported linking him to a big move to the Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.
THIKAZI SAYS LOSING HIS GRANDMOTHER HINDERED HIS PROGRESS
In the previous season, Thikazi’s career was destabilised after Royal AM were expelled as a member club from the PSL due to financial issues involving the club’s owner, Shawn Mkhize. The left-footed winger was left without a club until he joined Richards Bay.
With Thikazi seemingly regaining his best form at Casric Stars, he has revealed that his progress was hindered by the sad passing of his grandmother last year.
“For me, I would say what I want to achieve with Casric is getting promoted to the Betway Premiership because that’s where I want to see myself. I just want to continue what I have been doing best and change the situation of my family,” Thikazi said.
“I think something that has affected me is the death of my grandmother, it has affected me so much, and that’s why in the past few years I haven’t been able to play the way people know me because she was a very important person in my life, she supported me in everything I do.”
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