In any conversation about skilful players, it would be a big mistake to leave out Mahlatse Makudubela’s name, for what he has displayed in over a decade. Blessed with talent in abundance and passion for the game, Makudubela isn’t showing any signs of slowing down despite having turned 34 last month. For what he has showed during his many years playing in the PSL, it is no wonder his talent was first discovered by Mamelodi Sundowns at a young age. However, some feel that the midfielder could have reached even greater heights had it not been for coaches who limited the player’s game time at some of the clubs he has played for. With teams taking a little long to sign him after parting ways with Marumo Gallants at the end of last season, Skudu went on to put pen to paper with Tanzanian giants Young Africans in July. Last week, the 34-year-old was in Mzansi for the CAF Champions League clash against Mamelodi Sundowns and Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina caught up with him to talk about life in Tanzania, what it feels like playing under ex-Downs coach Miguel Gamondi, the fans in East Africa and many more.
Masebe Qina: Hola Skudu, it was nice to see one of our own back in the country again even if it was for a short while. How did it feel like?
Mahlatse Makudubela: It was a great feeling to be honest, you know, from the moment I stepped out of the plane and having to greet people in my language and hearing them responding was great. It felt good and having family members coming to visit me at the hotel and other familiar faces, it was really nice to be back in Mzansi, although it was not for pleasure but for business.
