In a Soccer Laduma Fan Park Exclusive, we got to know former Kaizer Chiefs defender, Sibusiso Mabiliso.
Check it out!
What's the story?
Sibusiso Mabiliso recently sat down for an interview with Fan Park, to speak about a host of topics, ranging from his time at AmaZulu to his interests outside football and how he navigates social media.
Mabiliso is currently without a club after parting ways with Usuthu and the Rustenburg-bred baller still looks back fondly on his time in Durban.
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Let's take a closer look...
Sibusiso Mabiliso
Mabiliso took time to reflect on his time in Durban with AmaZulu after Usuthu decided to terminate the left back’s contract in the middle of the season.
Mabiliso, who represented the South Africa at Under-20, 23 and at senior level, was competing with Riaan Hanamub at left back, and struggled to displace the Namibian as he made just two substitute appearances this season under Pablo Franco Martin.
The Rustenburg-born defender was reportedly suspended by AmaZulu in December following an off-field disciplinary issue, with ex-Amakhosi man showing no negative signs on his time in the 031.
"I'd say my experience in Durban was a great one. I loved the environment and for someone coming from a small area in Rustenburg, I adjusted there very well and I enjoyed my stay," said the midfielder-turned-defender.
Having been converted into a left-back after breaking through as a midfielder, Mabiliso showed some love to a Bafana Bafana star who has played for two of the same clubs he has; Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu.
"My local GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is Tshepo Masilela because when I was converted into a left-back, I started watching him and was inspired by his style of play. He really liked the way he played in the position," said the Bafana Bafana international.
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In terms of his social media presence, Mabiliso boasts 27.8k followers on Instagram and over 7k on Twitter/X, and doesn't tend to give too much away about himself on both apps.
The Olympian keeps it simple online by posting about his baby and significant other, with a few 'fit pics and other memories with close friends and former teammates.
Despite his rather slow social media activity, Mabiliso recognises the importance of a professional footballer having an online presence.
"I think it's important to have social media, due to its reach and the ability [for players] to interact and connect with supporters. It also helps us build our personal brands," he says.
In terms of dealing with online trolls, he simply put: "I always try to ignore them and do better on the field. One thing I've always told myself is that people will always talk and I can't make everyone happy."
Interestingly, Mabiliso revealed that if he didn't take up professional football, he would have pursued an IT degree, with the baller also showing interests in Gaming.
On the pitch, the ex-Glamour Boy may be a SA Hip-Hop and Amapiano fan, but to get him going ahead of kick-off, he needs a bit of Gospel.
"My playlist has almost all genres and my favourite is SA Hip-Hop and Amapiano, but what gets be pumped before the game is Gospel music," he revealed.
"Before a game, I always listen to Gospel music and pray to the man above. I'd ask for him to help me focus and to get into the right mindset for the game, that's what I usually do," added Mabiliso, speaking on how music is key to his pre-match ritual.
Scroll through the gallery to view some of Mabiliso's IG posts:
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