Giyani player rises from street soccer to PSL success

LIMPOPO – At just 24 years old, Katekani Mhlongo, who is well-known to his friends as Whiskey, is living the dream of many youngsters in his hometown, Giyani. He is the man many youngsters in Kremetart, the suburb he grew up in, watched growing up and playing football in the dusty streets.

Now a professional football player for Marumo Gallants FC, a team competing in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), he has reached a point that many of his peers still aspire to achieve. Katekani’s love for the game began at the age of 13, transitioning from the informal pitches of street soccer to structured training with Power United FC.

Those who know him say they never saw him as the type to play at the PSL level when he was still young.

“There were many others who were stars but never went anywhere, but with Katekani, he was just a regular player in the team,” explained Matimba Thonsi, his former coach at Power United FC.

“To be honest, I never expected him to climb the ladder in football, let alone reach the PSL,” he continues, adding that maybe his father, who was a talented footballer in his own right at the time, has played a role in his son’s football career.

“Those who saw him in his playing days say he was better than me,” Katekani laughs, explaining that his father’s constant support and tactical advice after every game became a driving force behind his performance on the field, motivated by a desire to make him proud while building his own football career.

Katekani says this foundation of support has been crucial in helping him navigate the challenges of a professional sports career. It has kept him grounded and helped him avoid many of the negative influences that come with fame and money.

“Success is hard, but having discipline is the key to everything,” he said.

He openly admits that avoiding distractions, including relationships, is a conscious choice to maintain his focus.

“I prefer to concentrate on my goals and achieve them,” he said.

Asked if he had finished his tertiary education, Katekani admitted that he dropped out while doing the third year of a Biomedical Science degree. He said it was a difficult decision, but he had to make it due to financial constraints, so he needed to make money.

“Education is important. I will go back as soon as I get a chance,” he said.

His advice to other aspiring young athletes is that they should believe in themselves and stay focused on their goals.

“Believe in yourself,” he urges. “Be ambitious and always aim high, because the sky is the limit,” he added, acknowledging how difficult it was to reach professional football.

“You need to have a winning formula, both on and off the pitch,” he said.