Mpho Mvelase (born 6 February 1989) is a South African soccer player who plays as a defender and midfielder for TS Galaxy in the South African Premier Division.

Mpho Mvelase
Personal information
Date of birth (1989-02-06) 6 February 1989 (age 35)
Position(s) Defender, midfielder
Team information
Current team
TS Galaxy
Number 2
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2014 United FC 55 (3)
2014–2015 Chippa United 10 (2)
2015–2017 Orlando Pirates 2 (0)
2017–2018 Chippa United 19 (0)
2018 Royal Eagles 6 (0)
2018–2021 Polokwane City 61 (5)
2021–2023 Marumo Gallants 28 (1)
2023– TS Galaxy 28 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 August 2024

He was born in Dobsonville.[1] Following two years in the National First Division with United FC, he joined Chippa United in 2014 and made his first-tier debut in the 2014-15 South African Premier Division.[2] Already during that season, in January 2015, after only ten games (nine start) he was picked up by one of South Africa's big three teams, Orlando Pirates.[3]

He played once in 2015, and only twice in the 2015–16 season—one in the league and one in the Telkom Knockout. It was speculated whether Mvelase would be loaned out.[1][4] Media noticed that the players signed by Orlando Pirates from Chippa United usually received a similar treatment.[5]

He stayed with Orlando Pirates until February 2017, when he finally left. He rejoined Chippa United as a free agent, initially on a six-month contract.[6] After ending the 2017–18 season with the First Division team Royal Eagles, he moved on to another Premier Division team Polokwane City in the fall of 2018.[7][8]

During two years in Marumo Gallants, Mvelase played and scored in the 2022–23 CAF Confederation Cup group stage.[9][10] With Mvelase being named the team's defender of the year in 2022–23, Marumo Gallants were relegated that season,[11] and Mvelase moved on to TS Galaxy. Here, he joined several other players in their late 30s, himself turning 35 at the end of the season. Nonetheless, Mvelase was a team regular and felt that his performances disproved ageism within soccer.[12][13][14]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Orlando Pirates Likely To Loan Out Defender". Soccer Laduma. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  2. ^ Mpho Mvelase at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  3. ^ "Chilli Boy Mpho Mvelase Signs For Pirates". Soccer Laduma. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  4. ^ Mabeba, Moyahabo (26 June 2016). "Orlando Pirates star catches Baroka FC's eye". Polokwane Review. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  5. ^ wa ka Mabasa, Tiyani (5 June 2019). "Chilli Boys not good for Orlando Pirates". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  6. ^ Makhaya, Ernest (19 February 2017). "Chippa United sign former Orlando Pirates defender Mvelase". Goal. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  7. ^ Madlala, Robin-Duke (22 February 2018). "Royal Eagles sign Ryan Chapman, Mpho Mvelase and Victor Bokah". Kick Off. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  8. ^ "City snap up former Pirates player". The Citizen. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  9. ^ Rabothe, Tshepo (19 February 2023). "Marumo Gallants claim back-to-back CAF Confederation Cup victories". FAR Post. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  10. ^ Mothowagae, Daniel (23 April 2023). "Gallants' battle-scarred warriors". City Press. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  11. ^ Piek, Morgan (22 May 2023). "Disaster as Marumo are relegated". OFM. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  12. ^ Munyai, Ofhani (24 May 2024). "TS Galaxy midfielder sends strong message against ageism". FAR Post. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  13. ^ Munyai, Ofhani (18 May 2024). "How unsuccessful Pirates stint helped TS Galaxy midfielder grow". FAR Post. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  14. ^ Luthuli, Lusanda (11 June 2024). "Veteran PSL Star: 'I Want To Beat Vuyo Mere's Record'". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
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