Thuso Phala: Former Kaizer Chiefs Shares How Losing Dad Shaped His Career, Buying House for His Mum

• Thuso Phala has shared the details about how his father's death influenced his dedication to his professional football career
• The South African international also opened up on how he gifted his mother a new house when he signed his first professional contract
• Family promises kept the former Bafana Bafana winger in shape throughout his professional career, and he's happy to have done well for them

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Thuso Phala has shared how the passing of his father deeply influenced his football career, noting that his mother played an important role in keeping him focused and motivated all through his professional career.

Having played for Platinum Stars, Mamelodi Sundowns, and SuperSport United, Phala opened up that fulfilling a promise to support his family through football was a guiding principle throughout his career.

The Soweto-born forward explained that his father’s passing became a source of determination, while his mother’s guidance ensured he stayed true to the commitment he made as a child.

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Phala’s career is fueled by family promise

Over nearly twenty years, Phala’s professional journey included tenures at several top clubs, earning four major trophies along the way.

“When my dad passed, my mom stepped in right away,” Phala told the Omniaudioafrica podcast.

“She made sure I still attended training and kept pushing me. She reminded me that my dad may be gone, but now it’s my responsibility to keep my promise—to become a professional player and provide for the family.”

Internationally, Phala represented South Africa, earning over 20 caps and participating in the 2013 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations before officially retiring in late 2023.

Phala honoured that vow as soon as he could. “When I signed my first solid contract, I bought a house for my family. On Mother’s Day, I gifted a home to my mom. I made sure my sisters had a proper education. That was the promise I made to my dad, who was a taxi driver.”

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Reflecting on his success, Phala credited his mother for keeping him humble and focused.

“Even when things were going well, my mom grounded me. She reminded me of what I had worked for and pushed me to keep achieving,” he said.

“She kept my dream alive and ensured I stayed on track,” Phala concluded.

Phala speaks on Saleng

Phala recently claimed that Monnapule Saleng’s struggles stem from his mindset and questions whether the winger would succeed at a club like Kaizer Chiefs, where more than just talent is needed to succeed.

The former Kaizer Chiefs forward went on to explain why Saleng has been outshone by Mohau Nkota. He emphasised that respect for the game plays a key role in a player’s success, suggesting that Saleng’s decline may be due to factors beyond his ability.

Since the former SuperSport United made his opinion known about Saleng, the Bafana Bafana star has since moved to Mamelodi Sundowns, but he's yet to make his debut.

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Ouaddou blasts Pirates stars

Briefly News earlier reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou slammed Orlando Pirates players ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.

The French-Moroccan is not happy with his players despite their recent positive results in the Betway Premiership, and they are also on top of the league standings.

Source: Briefly News