SEBOKENG.- Lucky Mhlathe might have hung up his soccer boots but he still shows his talent and ‘soccer skills’ on our television screens.
Mhlathe works for the DSTV’s SuperSport Football Channel as a football analyst.
This former Jomo Cosmos winger analyzes the Motsepe Foundation Championship, PSL, and DSTV Diski Challenge live matches. His football knowledge saw SuperSport Football Channel roping him in under their employ.
Sedibeng Ster Sport went down memory lane with Mhlathe to reflect back on his football career, playing for Jomo Cosmos. He was one of the household names in South African football and also played for the SA U/23 National team.
He could have plied his trade abroad, but Jomo Sono, who is the club’s boss and coach would not let him go because he wanted to use him as he was one of the star players for Jomo Cosmos. Mhlathe has fond memories of playing for ‘Ezenkosi’, as Jomo Cosmos is affectionately known. One of them was when Cosmos was crowned the SAA Super Cup.
“I spent the better part of my life playing for Jomo Cosmos. I was 17 years old when Bra J promoted me to the senior team. He had spotted me playing in one of the tournaments in Johannesburg representing Vaal. I enjoyed my football career at Cosmos because this is the club that discovered my talent, especially Bra J. He was, and is still like a father to me because he was always there for me when I needed help or advice.
“I will be always grateful for playing for Jomo Cosmos which is owned by one of the most respected former soccer players not only in South Africa but in the world. I was very fortunate to play under him because it helped me to improve my game,” said Mhlathe.
Mhlathe is one of the many players from Vaal who played for Jomo Cosmos.
Other players who come from this region who played for Cosmos are Augustine Makalakalane, Mabena Monnakgotla, Aaron Mokoena, Avril Phali, Tshidiso Tukane, Mokete Tsotetsi, and Bongani Theletsane to mention but few. This was during the days when Jomo Cosmos was a household name in South African football especially known for nurturing raw talent, most of the players went on to ply their trade overseas where they are household names, to this day.
