Teko Modise and Lehlohonolo Majoro are known for their fashion labels, but did you know there is another PSL star who has a successful clothing brand, in Portugal, and that he wants to bring it to Mzansi? Meet the designer who goes by the name Jucie Lupeta!
Bidvest Wits brought him to South Africa last year, and he has since been snapped up by Ajax Cape Town, but what most people don't know about the 23-year-old is that he has invested in his future beyond football.
Lupeta, who played for the same Portuguese side Eric Tinkler once turned out for in Vitoria Setubal, owns a fashion brand called Trankilo System, which has taken off in Portugal.
Trankilo sports a range of beanies, snapbacks and bucket hats, and all products are available on the online store on the brand's official website.
The Urban Warriors striker sat down with Fan Park editor Rossella Marrai-Ricco to talk about his label, what inspires him and how he does everything himself.
"My brand started in 2015," the 1.86m forward revealed. "I have always considered myself a perfectionist, so it was a dream I had, and with my money from football, I could do it.
"It is famous in Portugal. It is very good and I have a website, and now I am trying to put my brand in South Africa. I know some stores that want my brand, and so I am working on that."
Between training and playing football, Lupeta finds time to juggle his clothing line on top of designing all the items himself.
"I design everything. I don't want anybody to do anything for me. (smiles) It is all me…
"I would like my brand to be on the same level as DSquared. I am working hard on that in my free time, of course, because I play football now as a professional. I want my brand to be very famous.
"What does the name mean? Trankilo means smooth, like the smooth life. In football, we must follow the system and the rules, so it is like a smooth system.
"My inspiration is Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. They are amazing, and Kanye just made a big deal with adidas. I am following him and he is like a model for me."
Trankilo's growth is impressive, and Lupeta did not hesitate when asked which footballer he wanted to see don his range.
"If any footballer could wear Trankilo System? Cristiano Ronaldo, of course!"
Above is a gallery of some of Trankilo's items, and more can be found on the brand's website: http://trankilosystem.com
The former Portugal U19 man's story is simply incredible, and the way he has invested his money is something many local football players can take encouragement from.
What do you make of Lupeta's designs?
