During the off-season, striker Thabiso Kutumela joined as one of Mamelodi Sundowns’ exciting new recruits for the upcoming Premier Soccer League season after signing with the club on a long-term contract.
Kutumela, who made his competitive debut in the penalty shootout win against Kaizer Chiefs, is optimistic about being in his new home and eager to compete for titles with The Brazilians.
“I felt so excited to join one of the biggest teams in South Africa. It feels good, I can’t wait to work with the other players and the new technical team.” Kutumela expressed.
He continued, “[Since I joined] they have welcomed me very well at the club – the technical team, players and the management. I am fitting in well and I can’t wait to kick start the new season.”
The former Premier Soccer League footballer of the season nominee is adamant on working hard to earn a place amongst his talented mates after spending time with the club in Pretoria and Polokwane during pre-season preparations for the new season.
“I learnt many things during the pre-season, our squad is filled with many quality players. I really want to work hard so that I can find my place in the squad and start playing games (and) help the team win trophies.” said the striker.
“Everywhere you go, if you are going to a new environment or a different club, you have to work hard and dedicate yourself in order to make the line-up. The only way to deal with the competition in the team and to fit in is by making sure that I work hard and score goals for the team. I have to assist as well in helping the team to score and win.”
Kutumela has long been a huge threat in one-on-one situations using his speed and acceleration to beat opponents. Last season he scored 12 goals in 26 league starts for Maritzburg United. His inspiration for his style of play comes from his admiration for the legendary Lionel Messi and Real Madrid forward, Eden Hazard.
“I like Lionel Messi and the way he plays football; he likes bending the ball and that is what I like doing as well. My type of style however is more related to Hazard’s style.” said the Bafana Bafana international.
Upon joining Bafana Ba Style, Kutumela was also able to reunite with some familiar faces from his Maritzburg days as well as from the national team setup: “I have played with most of the players in the national team. Rushine [De Reuck] and Gift Motupa, we’ve played in the same team and I am happy that I get to play with them again.” said Thabiso.
Interestingly, an unexpected revelation about the rising Limpopo-born star that many many not be familiar with his personality off the pitch. Thabiso describes himself as an introvert and says he spends most of his time – if not all the time, indoors playing PlayStation online or sleeping. He describes himself as a shy person “I am very shy; I don’t like going out into public spaces. I enjoy my own space indoors, at home.” said the attacker.
The Yellow Nation can expect to see the pacey forward wearing jersey number 32 for Bafana Ba Style in the upcoming 2021/22 campaign.
Just because We beat Chiefs with this line-up it doesn’t mean its good eintlik its boring to watch it,pls Wisemen rotate players as soon as the league begins so that all our players can be ready and fit.We’ve got good players on grandstand hayi lento edlalaa lana.
They watered the pitch before the match for the ball to run smoothly but its their players(Downs) who are slippering non stop.
Well done boys….3points in the bag….. I’m sorry to say this…Mnvala is still a suspect…they say he does the dirty work….but too dirty for me….I might be Hush”…on him…still not convinced as a Sundowns material…my given a chance he will come alright…Jali/Keke still would be good for me…I call him Mr Yellow card🤔
We appreciate the small beginnings, first game on top of the log also possible defining the last day of the season, at least e tested the top , we don’t care what happens next ,at least on the last day of the matches we shall be occupying that position.
5 goals