Alberton footballer joins Bafana Bafana for 2023 COSAFA Cup

Continual sacrifice and falling and getting back up repeatedly finally paid off for footballer Tebogo Tlolane from Albertsdal.

He was selected to represent Bafana Bafana for the 2023 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup, where he made his international debut.

A midfielder, Tlolane (28) has played for Jomo Cosmos Football Club, Chippa United Football Club, Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United.

The soccer star’s reputation precedes him. He is known as “Messi” for his exceptional skills on the pitch and his involvement in the community.

Tlolane, who would not trade anything for his sport, attended Glenview Primary School and completed Grade 12 at Bracken High School.

Making strides amid difficulties

He said this had been a rollercoaster ride, yet the life lessons learnt were part of his growth.

“I started the previous season with Pirates and didn’t play much. I then got two injuries on the same knee. I went through a difficult period of being out and not training. And when January hit, I needed to play football. I got loaned to Maritzburg again, but, unfortunately, I couldn’t get the ball rolling because of the injury,” explained Tlolane.

Returning to Maritzburg felt like going home because he had already played for the club.

“Maritzburg is a club loved in Pietermaritzburg. It gives opportunities and possibilities. I was one of those allowed to be part of the ‘blue army’. I came back towards June 15 after the playoffs and sat for a week doing training,” he said.

Big break a childhood dream

While getting back on his feet and keeping fit, he was called about the national team.

“It was a surprise, and I felt ‘why not?’ At that time, I didn’t realise how big an occasion this was. In the first game, standing and singing the national anthem, I realised how big the occasion was. I’m proud of the work I’ve done over the years to get here, and thank God for the opportunity,” he said.

He said it was an honour and privilege to know they were not just playing for a team but for a country.
Tlolane’s close friend, Katleho Mosese, described him as radiating positive energy.

“This humble home-grown talent always gives back to the community he grew up in. From hosting soccer tournaments for the youth, being an activist for the tree planting and cleaning awareness campaigns, getting his hands dirty, picking up litter to cleaning the neighbourhood he grew up in Katlehong,” Mosese said.

Tlolane is preparing for the semi-final game in Durban and cherishes the opportunity to represent his country.

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