Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns winger Mahlatse Makudubela has explained how his move to the Tunisian side US Monastir came about following his retirement from professional football a few days ago.
The 36-year-old officially hung up his boots on Thursday, 16 July, bringing down the curtain on his playing career that spanned nearly two decades both locally and internationally.
In South Africa, Makudubela played for top clubs including Sundowns, Pirates, Platinum Stars, Chippa United, Highlands Park, AmaTuks, Marumo Gallants, and Siwelele FC.
He also had an opportunity to ply his trade abroad for Karviná FK [Czech Republic], FC Gagra [Georgia], Young Africans SC [Tanzania], AS Vita Club [DRC], and Wiliete FC [Angola].
Shortly after calling time on his playing days, Makudubela joined US Monastir as a performance and video analyst, linking up with newly appointed head coach Romain Folz. The duo previously worked together at Marumo Gallants in 2022.
HOW MAHLATSE MAKUDUBELA LANDED AT TUNISIAN SIDE US MONASTIR
In an exclusive interview with FARPost, Makudubela detailed how his relationship with French tactician Folz played a pivotal role in shaping his path off the pitch.
“Look, many people don’t know me and coach Romain Folz; we have come a long way, you know, from working together at Marumo Gallants,” Makudubela told FARPost. “He is someone who motivated me to pursue all my coaching qualifications and has been part of my coaching journey. He told me to get my coaching badges and insisted that he would help and mentor me, you know.
“The process of getting my coaching badges started about five years ago, and he has been part of it. I recently completed my UEFA B licence, and I have done my Level One and Two analysis. So, it has been a challenging journey, but I have enjoyed it.”
Makudubela continued: “So, when he [Romain Folz] was at Sundowns, he asked me how far I was with my qualifications. He kept checking my progress, and I kept updating him about it. He always encouraged me that once I finished, I must go on to the next step. Two years ago, I started partially coaching while I was still playing, especially when I had time.
“It was a journey that he had been monitoring. When he was in Algeria [at Olympique Akbou], he said, ‘Mahlatse, I would understand if you don’t want to stop playing, but I want to bring you on to be one of my technical team members.’ Now, I’m part of his technical team as a performance and video analyst, and that’s how I got approached.”
MAHLATSE MAKUDUBELA ON ADAPTING TO LIFE IN TUNISIA
Starting a new chapter in the North Africa presents its own set of challenges, but the retired footballer is embracing the experience as he settles into his new environment.
“So far, so good, you know. Despite the challenges of the language barrier, I think it’s all about adjusting to the new environment. However, when you have the right people around you, they make it so much easier for you to settle in. Nonetheless, I’m settling in very well, but it’s very hot,” he added.
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