TS Galaxy midfielder Mpho Mvelase spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Soccer Laduma's Fan Park about what his favourite players and how much he has left in football among other topics.
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The story
Defender-turned-midfielder, Mpho Mvelase has enjoyed a stellar campaign under the tutelage of Sead Ramovic at the Rockets this season.
Mvelase has taken well to his new role in the middle of the park at Galaxy, making 34 appearances in all competitions this season and pitching in with three goals as well as a solitary assist.
The hardworking journeyman — who has represented six clubs over the course of his career, including top-flight sides: Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City and Chippa United, delved further into his love for the game, showing appreciation to player he's played against in the past and current competitors.
When asked about the best player he's ever played with, he named the likes of former Orlando Pirates stars Mbulelo "Old John" Mabizela and Oupa Manyisa, but reserved special praise for a rather forgotten star.
"Xolani Touch Mabaso, he's longer playing. He played for Chiefs and Golden Arrows. Yeah, that guy can do things I've never seen anyone else do on the field," said Mvelase.
In his most recent meeting against Mamelodi Sundowns for the Rockets, Mvelase walked away with the Man of the Match award for a tireless showing in the middle of the park.
Despite not struggling on a personal front when facing Masandawana, Mvelase admitted how difficult it was to deal with Themba Zwane:
"I have played many times against Themba Zwane. When I was playing for Chippa, he was good then but I would manage to mark him and dispossess him from the ball. But now, Themba has transformed into a beast. I played against him recently, many times, I found myself contesting him for the ball and wow, wow, wow.
"That guy is performing miracles on the field. I couldn't explain what he was doing, he's a magician. I would love to play with him in the same team, that would be a good thing for me to experience. Training with him daily, trying to understand what type of player he is, what made him so good and trying to learn from him," said Mvelase, citing Mshishi as the one DStv Premiership player he'd love to share a dressing room with.
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He mentioned the mercurial Mshishi once again when asked about the most difficult opponents he's faced in the PSL:
"I would say Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile, as the guys I found it the most difficult to play against. I played against Shalulile when he was at Highlands Park, and yoh, I couldn't stop that guy. He was running all over me, he was good in the air, he had speed. Of course now at Sundowns, they are using him differently..." stated Mvelase.
Mvelase was one of Sead Ramovic's most consistent performers in his debut season at the club and has seamlessly transitioned from a full-back to a defensive midfielder.
The 35-year-old is peaking later in his career that many would have expected and after making 34 appearances in all competitions during the 2023/24 season, the veteran is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
"I don't see myself leaving football anytime soon. It's not because of the money, it's about the love I have for this game, the passion. I still want to learn more. Vuyo Mere currently, Bernard Parker, are still playing and they are three and five years older than me. The late John "Shoes" Moshoeu is someone that gives me the drive, that I could play until my 40's. Vuyo is another one, he gives me so much strength that guy," said Mvelase, who is adamant of beating Vuyo Mere's age record.
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