Malope sure of PSL return, not so Chiefs
Thanda man now revitalised
The decision to join Thanda Royal Zulu on loan from Kaizer Chiefs has paid off for promising midfielder Kgotso Malope.
Today, after a phenomenal season, the 23-year-old from Daveyton is proud to call himself a champion of the National First Division, as Thanda finished top of the table to secure automatic promotion to the PSL.
Whether or not he returns to Chiefs, Malope just wants to play in the Absa Premiership next season.
“I can’t comment on whether I will return to Chiefs or not. I am just happy that I was part of a team that won promotion and we are now called champions. I have helped the team reach the top league and I also want to experience what it’s like up there,” said Malope, who can play in central midfield or on the right wing.
“Before the season started, we had good preparations. We worked hard and we were focused.”
His parents, who have both died, would no doubt be proud of their son.
“I am quite happy with my performance this season. I came here to play and that’s what happened. I made 22 appearances and scored three goals,” he said.
“My family has always believed in me. My father passed on in 2004 and my mother in 2009. I dedicate every game I play to them. My aunts are very happy for me. They have always wished to see me playing in the top league.”
Malope joined Amakhosi in 2010, first playing for the U-17s before moving up to the reserve team.
“I am from Daveyton. There’s a guy who spotted me and he introduced me to the coaches at Chiefs and I joined them in 2010. I had a trial because they were looking for players.
“I played for the under-17s, with coach Ryder Mofokeng and coach Arthur Zwane. And then I moved to the under-19s and then the reserve team.
“Playing for Chiefs is a good feeling. I developed more as a player at Chiefs and it made it simple when I joined Thanda. Now I can play in any team because of their guidance.”
My aunts have always wished to see me playing in the top league Kgotso Malope THANDA ROYAL ZULU MIDFIELDER