Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena opened up about how his upbringing in the Free State shaped him as a footballer.
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The story
The Masandawana's midfield ace is one of the marquee talents in South African football, and at 28, he's built a steady reputation for himself as a disciplined and consistent athlete.
To get to where he is now, forming part of the spine of both his club and Bafana Bafana's set-ups, and being a four-time league winner in the PSL, Mokoena has had to overcome plenty of challenges.
In an introductory article with Investec after joining the bank and wealth managers as a brand ambassador, 'Mrembula' shared how his upbringing in Bethlehem shaped him not only as a footballer, but also as a person.
"I grew up in Bethlehem, in the township. My dad was a professional footballer for Free State Stars, but my biggest role model has always been my mom. She raised me as a single mother and made sure I had soccer boots and school shoes, even when it meant she had to go without," shared Mokoena with the financial giant.
"I didn't understand why she had to wear flip-flops when it was winter. Now I realise she couldn't afford to buy takkies. Although it wasn't bad. We could afford a 'decent' life by township standards.
"My mother was strong and resilient. There's an old saying, 'a woman holds the knife at the sharp edge.' I knew I wanted more when I grew up. I started selling sweets in Grade 4 to help save money, and she even opened a bank account for me. For four years, I sold sweets to make some extra money," added Mokoena.
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