SEBOKENG.- Mpho ‘Future’ Chabatsane, par excellence defender, is one of the latest youngsters from the Vaal who is making a name in top-flight football.
He was one of the Vaal-based players who featured in the Carling Black Label final between Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
He was outstanding for Marumo Gallants at the back, marshalling the defense like a seasoned campaigner. Despite his team losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the extra time, Chabatsane was an outstanding player on the field. He was up against tricky customers, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi, who also happened to come from the Vaal.
In fact, this Carling Black Cup final was dominated by Vaal players, with Kamohelo Sithole and Tebogo Motloung also featuring.
Sedibeng Ster Sport first witnessed this talented defender at the Pooe Festival Tournament. This was before he played for Marumo Gallants.
He was playing for COVID FC from Zone 7, a popular team in the Vaal.
The local soccer fans referred to him as ‘Future’ because they believe he has a great future in football. They believed that he could be the next big name for Bafana Bafana. Chabatsane reminds many soccer fans of the hard-working former Bafana Bafana defenders such as Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish. His calmness under pressure bothered some.
He doesn’t panic under pressure, regardless of the demands of the game.
For example, against Orlando Pirates, his confidence was something to marvel at, especially playing against a team that has instilled so much fear in many opponents in the PSL.
For the past 20 years, the Vaal Triangle has been known for producing the best defenders in South African football.
Former Bafana Bafana Captain Aaron ‘Mbazo’ Mokoena, Simon ‘Bull’ Lehoko, Andrew ‘Malome’ Phiri, Phiri Tsotetsi, Mokete Tsotetsi, Thabang Rooi, and Sailor Tshabalala are some of the par excellence defenders this region has produced.
No doubt, he is following in the footsteps of these legends who made a name for themselves in South African football. Some of them even went abroad.
Back to Chabatsane, in his first season in the top-flight football, he played the final, which is something that other players can only dream about.
He didn’t disappoint playing in front of a big crowd, especially against a legendary team like the Pirates. He was not intimidated by the atmosphere at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, packed to capacity.
