After re-adjusting his life to that of ordinary South African following his retirement from soccer, former footballer Katlego Mphela has made a heartfelt decision to return to the beautiful game.
Fans of the Soweto-based football team Kaizer Chiefs may be well familiar with the talent that is Katlego Mphela. The 39-year-old was one part of a star-studded Kaizer Chiefs side that featured the likes of Itumeleng Khune and played for several other clubs including Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Supersport United.
He has also represented Bafana 53 times after making his debut in 2005 and scored 23 goals during his international career.
Following his retirement from the sport in 2019, the forward who ranks third on the all-time Bafana goal scorers list switched career paths to becoming a car salesman – a role he performed to the best of his ability just as he did on the soccer field which earned him the nickname “Killer”.
After more than five years since his retirement, news publication The South African has reported that Katlego has once again returned to soccer, this time not as a player but through working on community initiatives.
It is reported that he has now transitioned into his new role, serving as an ambassador for the well-known company, Betway.
Confirming the news was Katlego’s business representative, Godfrey Baloyi who spoke to The South African and explained that his reason for leaving his job at the dealership was merely due to his inability to balance both his work and his passion.
“Mphela is busy with his role as ambassador of Betway. He also does coaching clinics and the Killer Mphela Easter Tournament. So, there was no time for him. He just wanted to pursue his football projects.”
A former colleague who worked alongside him at the VW dealership in Midrand explained that Katlego was quite good at what he was doing and adjusted quite well to life after football.
“He was doing well here selling cars. But I think he left us for better things. He has matured well.”
Also see: Ex-Banyana footballer Portia Modise shares how she escaped substance abuse | Bona Magazine
