Cape Town Spurs veteran defender Tshepo Gumede has revealed the two most challenging strikers he’s encountered throughout his professional career.
The 33-year-old boasts over a decade of experience in the DStv Premiership, having played for numerous clubs.
Gumede’s journey began at SuperSport United’s youth academy alongside notable names like Ronwen Williams and Kamohelo Mokotjo.
Promoted to the senior team in 2009, Gumede sought playing time elsewhere and embarked on loan spells with Mpumalanga Black Aces and Blackburn Rovers before securing a permanent transfer away.
His career path has included stints with Platinum Stars, Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, AmaZulu FC, Cape Umoya United, Marumo Gallants, Maritzburg United, and his current club, Cape Town Spurs.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Gumede revealed that Kermit Erasmus and Mame Niang remain the two hardest forwards he has ever faced.
GUMEDE NAMES TWO HARDEST STRIKERS HE’S FACED SO FAR
“Prime Kermit [Erasmus] cause he wouldn’t stay on the line, he would go short and you ask yourself, should I follow him?,” said Gumede.
“And next time when you go to him he has spun and is behind you, those type of things.
“And then there was Mame Niang. So, every team that he played for, they were playing with his strength.
“He knew very well that he’s taller than you already, he didn’t even have to jump.”
Niang also donned the jerseys of several clubs in the PSL. Moroka Swallows were the first South African club he signed for before he went overseas to Wolfsburg.
After his return to SA, he played for SuperSport United, AmaTuks, Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu FC and Royal AM.
Meanwhile, Erasmus is currently in the books of Orlando Pirates. His second spell with the Soweto giants might come to an end in June with his contract expiring. Locally, he also played for Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town City and SuperSport United.
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