South African Soccer Stars: June 2012

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Vusi Mthimkulu - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 23 January 1986
Place of Birth: Katlehong
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Mokoko (Tovey)
Position: Defender
Jersey no:
Height: 183cm
Weight: 73Kg

Tokelo Anthony Rantie - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 8 September 1990
Place of Birth: Tumahole, Parys
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: TK
Position: Forward
Jersey no: 37
Height: 172cm
Weight: 68Kg

It’s not often that a small town-town can boast about producing a professional soccer player, let alone on the books of South African football giants Orlando Pirates Football Club. What is even more amazing about Tokelo Rantie is that even though he may not be known by many fans here at home as he has never played at the highest level in his country of birth, the Tumahole, Parys-born striker has already tasted life abroad with the Swedish side IFK Hassleholm giving signs that he is a rising star of South African football.
Like many aspiring youngsters, Tokelo’s career started in the streets of his township at the age seven, playing for Dangerous Darkies at amateur level. At 16, he joined Farouk Khan’ Stars of Africa Academy-where he spent five years under Farouk’s mentorship, and he has never looked back.
Although he has never played in the South African Premier Soccer League, let alone in the competitive National First Division, Rantie has a bit of experience from Mozambique-where he played in the Premiership division for Ferroviario de Beira and later Clube Desporto de Maxaquene, before he went to Sweden earlier this year, through Khan’s Stars of Africa.

Tlou Mashedi Segolela - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 1 April 1988
Place of Birth: Moletjie, Polokwane
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Bra Sox
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 23
Height: 171cm
Weight: 60Kg

Tlou Segolela is one of many to come from the Bucs convoy belt to the senior team. Raw pace, an eye for goal and the ability to take on the opposition with ease.
All these qualities best describes our young sensation Tlou Segolela. He is a definite star in the making; if he keeps, his head cool and let his feet do the talking.
Segolela got his biggest break against English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur in the Vodacom Challenge in 2007, and from then he never looked back.

Thulasizwe Moses Mbuyane - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 13 August 1982
Place of Birth: Mamelodi West
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Juju
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 18
Height: 173cm
Weight: 64Kg

While management trim our bloated squad by transfer-listing 15 players before the start of the new season, wise acquisitions were also made and one was that of Thulasizwe Mbuyane from Free State Stars.
The 29-year-old Mamelodi-West born player joins the Buccaneers having only had one season of top-flight football. However, his mature performances, knack for goals and physical attributes on the right wing for his former club (FS Stars) drew attention of his current boss Dr. Irvin Khoza and his management staff, and without wasting time; ‘Juju’ as Mbuyane is fondly known to his family and friends was a Buccaneer.
“It’s a dream come,” he said. “When I heard management (at Free State Stars) had allowed me to join Pirates I was overjoyed. I have heard of the pressure that comes with playing for a big team like Pirates. But I am ready to make my name.”
While many believes Mbuyane may have a big job in his hands convincing the Ghost of his worth, Kenny Ndlazi, who coached him at Ga-Rankuwa United, believes his former player will succeed.

Thandani Ntshumayelo - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 20 April 1990
Place of Birth: Heilbron, Free State
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Dunga
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 44
Height: 169cm
Weight: 66Kg

A product of Supersport United Youth Academy, Bibo was promoted to the United first team in 2009 and made 20 league starts in his maiden season in top-flight soccer. Surely, a remarkable achievement for the young rookie.
The lanky diminutive midfielder, who joined the Buccaneers on a three-year contract, won the Absa Championship in his first season for United after being promoted from their development structures.
Young as he is, Ntshumayelo have valuable experience in winning the PSL Championship-he has also played for United in CAF Champions League.
Therefore, his experience will come handy during the club’s Champions League campaign this season (2012) and his ready to make his mark.
“Pirates is a strong team, with strong players...but I'm not here to make up the numbers. I want to make a mark at the club,” commented the bulky central midfielder after his unveiling on January 31 this year, 2012.

Thabo Matlaba - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 13 December 1987
Place of Birth: Tembisa, East Rand
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Festival
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 30
Height: 169cm
Weight: 62Kg

Thabo Matlaba was Free State Stars’ breakout player of the 2010/11 Absa Premiership, impressing with his flexibility and energy down the left flank.
In fact, can play left-back, in midfield or up front and his multi-faceted game even earned him a call-up to Bafana Bafana.
The Tembisa-born player will hope to make as big an impact in his second full season in the PSL as he did in the first.
The 24-year-old won the Players’ Player of the Year prize at Free State Stars in 2010/11.
He loves pap and meat and his close friend is former teammate Mpho Makola. Thabo’s hobbies are watching movies and listening to music.

Siyabonga Doctor Sangweni - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 29 September 1981
Place of Birth: Empangeni, KZN
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Ntsimbi
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 21
Height: 186cm
Weight: 78Kg

The signing of Siyabonga Sangweni from Lamontville Golden Arrows proved that there’s no competition for Orlando Pirates if club chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza seriously wants a player.
The robust central defender joined the Buccaneers in a deal which saw Katlego Mashego and Gert Schalkwyk move the opposite direction to join the Kwazulu-Natal side.
Born on 29 October 1981 in Empangeni, Sangweni began his professional career with Nathi Stars (which later came to be known as UThukela and then Nathi Lions) in the National First Division, before he moved to Arrows in 2005 where he made over 150 appearances.
He (Sangweni), is an experienced campaigner of six seasons in the Premier Soccer League and has been capped fourteen times (as at 31 July 2011) thus far by the South African senior national team, having made his Bafana Bafana debut on 26 May 2007 against Malawi, and with two international goals under his belt.

Siphelele Promise Mthembu - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 15 August 1987
Place of Birth: Melmoth, KwaZulu Natal
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Scara
Position: Forward
Jersey no:
Height: 182cm
Weight: 81Kg

Source/Previous clubs: Maritzburg City, Classic FC
Period joined Pirates: 2008/09
PSL’ debut:

HONOURS
Club level: 2007/08 Vodacom League (Kwazulu-Natal) Top Goalscorer (25 goals)

National level: None

Sifiso Myeni - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 10 June 1988
Place of Birth: Soweto
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Ntsunda
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 40
Height: 172cm
Weight: 66Kg

Sifiso Myeni joined the club and was unveiled at the of the transfer-window period (31 January 2012) having captained BIDVest Wits to the final of the Telkom Knockout in December last year.
The skilful winger has arguably been the Clever Boys’ best player over the past couple of years and hopefully will continue to be hugely influential in the star studded Bucs setup.
“It is a privilege and honour to join Orlando Pirates. I know it won't be easy to walk into the team because of the quality in the team, but I am prepared to fight for my place, Miyeni says.

Sibusiso Mthetheleli Mxoyana - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 14 April 1989
Place of Birth: Davyton, East Rand
Country of birth: South Africa
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 36
Height: 169cm
Weight: 75Kg

Sibusiso Mnguni - Orlando Pirates - Mid fielder

Date of Birth: 15 January 1989
Place of Birth: Secunda
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Scara
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no:
Height: 172cm
Weight: 72Kg

Senzo Robert Meyiwa - Orlando Pirates - Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 24 September 1987
Place of Birth: Umlazi, Durban
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Okpara Jr
Position: Goalkeeper
Jersey no: 1
Height: 175cm
Weight: 76Kg

Not many people may know this but goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa began his football career as a striker for London Cosmos in his hometown Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
"I grew up playing in all positions, but the striking position was my favourite,” explains Meyiwa.
“My first break into goalkeeping came when I was requested to stand in goal after our goalkeeper failed to pitch for a match. To my surprise, the position felt very natural and I even helped my team win the game. I fell in love with the position from that day and have never looked back since.”
Shortly after his conversion to the number-one position, Meyiwa, went to represent his province in the Transnet U14 and Coca-Cola U17 Inter-Provincial tournaments in 2000 as a 13-year old. It was through one of these competitions that young Meyiwa was identified by scouts who referred the youngster to try out with the Pirates Development Academy.

Rueben Cloete - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 3 November 1982
Place of Birth: Upington
Country of birth: South Africa
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 38
Height: 181cm
Weight: 69Kg

Rudolf Bester - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 19 July 1983
Place of Birth: Otjiwarongo
Country of birth: Namibia
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 25
Height: 172cm
Weight: 72Kg

Rooi Petros Mahamutsa - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 26 October 1981
Place of Birth: Standerton, Mpumalanga
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Ngubo
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 28
Height: 176cm
Weight: 71Kg

One of the club’s main problems last season was constant injuries in defence, mostly with veteran defender Lucky Lekgwathi and Kelebogile Mabe spending most of the season in the medical room, which has prompted management to invest in the workaholic Rooi Petros Mahamutsa to add depth in the squad.
Although Mahamutsa has never played in the PSL before, he is no stranger to soccer fanatics having played a major role in SAFA development team, Amabinneplaas’ success in the 2008 COSAFA Senior Challenge triumphs in August 2008.
It was the Standerton-born and former Witbank Spurs defender’ solitary goal against Namibia in the COSAFA quarterfinals that set-up the national development team for the semi final clash against Zambia (Amabinneplaas won 1-0) and eventually win the trophy after defeating Mozambique 2-1. “That is one of the best moments in my soccer career so far following my biggest career move to Orlando Pirates,” says Mahamutsa.

Robyn Johannes - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 24 June 1986
Place of Birth: Cape Town
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Roadblock
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 30
Height: 181cm
Weight: 82Kg

Patrick Malokase - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 27 December 1981
Place of Birth: Thaba Nchu, near Bloemfontein
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Legs of thunder
Position: Forward
Jersey no: 8
Height: 170cm
Weight: 70Kg

Njabulo Ntusi - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 10 October 1990
Place of Birth: Pietermaritzburg
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Njabs
Position: Defender
Jersey no:
Height: 166cm
Weight: 64Kg

Njabulo Manqana - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 26 August 1986

Place of Birth: Durban
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Nyoka
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 80
Height: 173cm
Weight: 63Kg

Ndumiso Mabena - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 19 May 1987
Place of Birth: Groblersdal, Mpumalanga
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Madala
Position: Forward
Jersey no: 26
Height: 180cm
Weight: 71Kg

Winners Park (National First Division), City Tigers (Vodacom League), Juventus, Eleven Experience (both amateur)
Season joined Pirates: 2009/10
Pirates’ debut: Orlando Pirates 2-0 Manchester City, England (Vodacom Challenge, 18 July 2009)
HONOURS
Club level: 2009 Telkom Charity Cup winner (with Pirates), 2008/09 NFD-Inland Stream & Winners Park Top Goalscorer (9 goals).

Moeneeb Josephs - Orlando Pirates - Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 19 May 1980
Place of Birth: Mitchell's Plain,Cape Town
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Slim-Cat
Position: Goalkeeper
Jersey no: 16
Height: 184cm
Weight: 89Kg

The 31-year-old goalkeeper's move to the Buccaneers was long overdue, in fact, he should have signed with Orlando Pirates two years-ago, but the former Cape Town Spurs and Ajax Cape Town goal-minder opted for neighbors Bidvest Wits. However, the opportunity presented itself again at the end of the 2007/08 season when the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper requested to be placed on the transfer list – Pirates wasted no time and soon pounced on the player.
"When I left Ajax it wasn't the right time for a move to Pirates. Wits gave me the chance to settle in Gauteng; it all worked well for me. The Lord knew how it would work best and it was in his hands,” says Josephs, "Now it's the big stage. I am ready for the challenge."
With 11 seasons under his belt since his professional debut in Cape Town Spurs’ 2-0 win over African Wanderers in September 1997, there is no doubt Josephs has developed into an experienced goalkeeper and will go along way to marshal the Bucs defence in the new season.

Matthews Oupa Manyisa - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 30 July 1988
Place of Birth: Mohlakeng, Randfontein
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Ace
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 20
Height: 163cm
Weight: 51Kg

Oupa Manyisa, the 23 year-old, who hails from Mohlakeng- a township that produced special talents such as the late Pule “Ace” Ntsoelengoe and Donald “Ace” Khuse, has impressed many people with his football skills.
Many youngsters find it difficult to settle down at a top club such as Pirates so quickly, but Manyisa is an exception, as he has already started producing some solid performances for the Mighty Buccaneers.
“I was once told that in football, you need to always put your best foot first as you never know who is watching,” said the soft spoken midfielder.
“In other words, if you are a player you need to always put in 110 percent effort when given a chance to play because you are only as good as your last game.

Mark Luphiwana Mayambela - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 9 September 1987
Place of Birth: Khayelitsha, Cape Town
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Professor
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 12
Height: 187cm
Weight: 83Kg

Lucky Letlhohonolo Lekgwathi - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 1 August 1976
Place of Birth: GaRankuwa, Pretoria
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Phinda Mzala
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 14
Height: 178cm
Weight: 71Kg

There isn't much to tell about Lucky Lehlohonolo Lekgwathi that the whole South African soccer fraternity doesn’t know. Hardworking, disciplined, committed, determined, passionate and a loyal servant of the club who always gives 100% effort on and off the field. Lekgwathi has a proud record in the black and white colours that speaks for itself- with more than 100 league appearances, two PSL titles, the BP Top 8 trophy, two PSL runners-up medals, Absa Cup silver medalist and other numerous pre-season winners and runners-up medals under his belt, the 35-year-old veteran defender remains the second most accomplished player in the present squad after Joseph 'Dukuduku' Makhanya.
"I have enjoyed every moment in the Bucs ship and scored great goals for the club, but one match that remains the best in my career so far is the 2-0 victory over Dynamos during our 65th Anniversary match at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto in 2002.

Lucas Bongane Thwala - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 19 October 1981
Place of Birth: Jeppies Reef, Nelspruit
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Look Around
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 32
Height: 171cm
Weight: 75Kg

A product of the club's youth development programme, Lucas Thwala has definitely become a vital cog in the Bucs defense since he debuted in the 1-all draw against Jomo Cosmos in August 2004; however, his promising career was constantly halted by long-term injuries.
Although three matches in the 2004/05 season was obviously not enough for the promising youngster, the writing was on the wall that Thwala is destined for greater things with the Buccaneers, as well as being national asset and a great servant of his country.
The Jeppies Reef-born star didn't disappoint as he lived-up to expectations the following season with a reasonable 20 league appearances in his first full season in the Premiership, a good sign of big things to come from the versatile defender who was recruited to our development academy in 2000. "I never took football seriously, let alone dreamt of turning professional.

Lizo Matheus Mjempu - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 1 January 1984
Place of Birth: Queenstown, Eastern Cape
Country of birth: South Africa
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 3
Height: 175cm
Weight: 76Kg

Like many aspiring professionals, Lizo started his career at amateur level, turning out for amongst other teams Remember FC and Early Birds FC. But, his career started to shape up when he joined Jomo Cosmos youth development academy and later promoted to the first team where he eventually made his PSL debut in 2004.
However, after some time with Ezenkosi, Mjempu was loaned out PJ Stars in the National First Division, and after his loan spell-he signed a permanent contract with the team.
The Queenstown-born left back found himself on the move again when his defensive abilities attracted interest of Mpumalanga Black Aces, but he didn’t stay that long with Amazayoni as he rejoined PJ Stars (under a new name M. Tigers) still in the NFD league.

Isaac Chansa - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 23 March 1984
Place of Birth: Kitwe
Country of birth: Zambia
Nickname: Ntho tse Monate
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 35
Height: 173cm
Weight: 70Kg

Helsingsborgs IF (Sweden), Orlando Pirates (SA), Power dynamos (Zambia)
PSL’ debut: 2004 (with Pirates)
Period re-joined Pirates: 200/10
Pirates debut:
HONOURS
Club level: PSL runner-up, Absa Cup runner-up (both in 2005/06), PSL runner-up, PSL’s Perfectly balanced team of the Year (both in 2004/05).
National level: Zambian senior national team full international -He was part of the Zambian national squad in the AFCON Tournament in Egypt 2006 and in Angola 2010.

Happy Quinton Jele - Orlando Pirates -

Date of Birth: 1 January 1987
Place of Birth: Mhluzi, Middelburg
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Magents
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 4
Height: 181cm
Weight: 70Kg

Happy Jele’s career started with a plastic ball in the dusty streets of Mhluzi Village, in Middelburg at the age of seven. Between the ages of 10 and 13 years-old, he played for Columbus FC, Inter Milan and Thushaganang Swallows before joining Promotional League campaigners Walter Stars.
Jele was very influential in helping Walter Stars to their Vodacom League status and his biggest break came when Stars played a friendly match against Orlando Pirates in 2006. Though his side narrowly lost the match 1-0 to Bucs, Happy must have done something right to catch our technical staff’s eye. He recalls: “I must have done something right against the much experienced Pirates side to impress their coaching staff.

Dikgang Mabalane - Orlando Pirates -

Date of Birth: 28 December 1979
Place of Birth: Tladi, Soweto
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Terminator
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 5
Height: 167cm
Weight: 59Kg

He may be small in stature, but don’t be deceived-Dikgang Mabalane is a bulldozer down the right wing and without doubt one of the most disciplined, determined and brightest attacking players South Africa has ever produced. With a proud record of more than 170 league appearances since he broke in to the professional ranks with Jomo Cosmos late in the 90s, the Soweto-born lad brings with him immense experience and cup pedigree having won major trophies with both Cosmos and SuperSport United in his eight-year period of his professional career.
“It’s a very good record and accomplishment that every professional player can be proud of, I am no different. I cherish my time and success with my previous clubs (referring to Cosmos and SuperSport). Nevertheless I have already turned–on the new page of my life and looking forward to emulating past achievements, and what a better way it would be to do it with a big team that has a proud history such as Orlando Pirates,” said Mabalane.

Dane Klate - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 25 February 1985
Place of Birth: Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Stiga
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 7
Height: 169cm
Weight: 60Kg

Cyril Mashego - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 2 August 1991
Place of Birth: Polokwane
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Giggs
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 33
Height: 168cm
Weight: 64Kg

Clifford Ngobeni - Orlando Pirates - Midfielder

Date of Birth: 27 June 1987
Place of Birth: Chiawelo - Soweto
Country of birth: South Africa
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 6
Height: 165cm
Weight: 70Kg

Chiukepo Msowoya - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 23 September 1988
Place of Birth: Karonga
Country of birth: Malawi
Nickname: Killer
Position: Forward
Jersey no: 29
Height: 178cm
Weight: 83Kg

Brighton Mhlongo - Orlando Pirates - Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 12 January 1991
Place of Birth: Protea-Glen, Soweto
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Vonk
Position: Goalkeeper
Jersey no:
Height: 184cm
Weight: 68Kg

Boubacar Talatou - Orlando Pirates - Midfield

Date of Birth: 3 December 1987
Place of Birth: Niamey
Country of birth: Niger
Nickname: Diego
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 40
Height: 175cm
Weight: 70Kg

Bongani Ndulula - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 29 November 1989
Place of Birth: Aliwal-North, Eastern Cape
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Drogba
Position: Forward
Jersey no: 9
Height: 177cm
Weight: 73Kg

Bheki Nzunga - Orlando Pirates - Defender

Date of Birth: 11 July 1987
Place of Birth: Kempton Park
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Khekhe
Position: Defender
Jersey no: 19
Height: 177cm
Weight: 71Kg

Benson Mhlongo - Orlando Pirates - Midfield

Date of Birth: 9 November 1980
Place of Birth: Alexandra, Johannesburg
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Mayanga
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 2
Height: 181cm
Weight: 71Kg

Like many youngsters growing-up in the township, Benson Mhlongo took part in street soccer in Alexandra.

He turned up for amateur outfits Megawatt Park, Alexandra Parma and SuperSport United juniors before playing competitive soccer with City Sharks, Alexandra United (first division), and premiership sides Wits University and Mamelodi Sundowns.
News of Benson Mhlongo leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, the club he served so well as one of the key players to Downs’ back-to-back PSL titles in 2005/06 and 2006/07 shocked the entire soccer fraternity.
However, what many did not know is that the workaholic "Mayanga" as Mhlongo is popularly known in his township had already made up his mind about joining Orlando Pirates – the club he grew to love for one specific reason. He explains.

Benedict Saul McCarthy (Benni McCarthy) - Orlando Pirates - Forward

Date of Birth: 12 November 1977
Place of Birth: Cape Town
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Benni/Magic Feet
Position: Forward
Jersey no: 17
Height: 183cm
Weight: 87Kg

Andile Ernest Jali - Orlando Pirates - Midfield

Date of Birth: 10 April 1990
Place of Birth: Matatiele, Eastern Cape
Country of birth: South Africa
Nickname: Mxhosa
Position: Midfielder
Jersey no: 15
Height: 169cm
Weight: 69Kg