Former Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows defender Thabo Matlaba has resurfaced at SAFA Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side Soweto Super United [SSU M17].
The 38-year-old left-back, affectionately known as ‘Festival’ in football circles, has been without a club since the end of the last season. His contract with Arrows expired on 30 June 2026.
Matlaba struggled for regular game time during the previous campaign with Abafana Bes’thende, making just six appearances across all competitions.
He had joined the Durban-based outfit in April 2025. This was after his departure from Royal AM. Matlaba joined Royal AM after Thwihli Thwahla’s expulsion from the Premier Soccer League [PSL].
EXPERIENCED DEFENDER THABO MATLABA SPOTTED IN ACTION FOR SSU M17
The ex-Bafana Bafana defender was spotted in action for SSU M17. This was during their ABC Motsepe League Stream A encounter against Tembisa Hollywood Thunder on Friday afternoon.
Matlaba was named in the starting line-up as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa.
The club’s technical team will be hoping that Matlaba’s wealth of top-flight experience brings much-needed stability and tactical discipline to their backline and attack. The player has played over 315 Betway Premiership matches, scoring 17 goals and adding 25 assists.
In his football career, Matlaba also turned out for teams such as M Tigers FC, Free State Stars, Black Leopards and Moroka Swallows.
SSU M17 have set their sights on winning the Gauteng provincial league title to earn a spot in the national playoffs. They aim to secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season.
As things stand, SSU M17 sit sixth in the Stream A log standings with two points from two matches.
The club’s next league fixture is against RRR Rams FC at Phillip Stadium. The match will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 midday.
RELATED STORY: Thabo Matlaba reveals Andile Mpisane’s unique qualities
