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.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 6 February 1989 | ||
| 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
edit- ^ a b "Orlando Pirates Likely To Loan Out Defender". Soccer Laduma. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Mpho Mvelase at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Chilli Boy Mpho Mvelase Signs For Pirates". Soccer Laduma. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Mabeba, Moyahabo (26 June 2016). "Orlando Pirates star catches Baroka FC's eye". Polokwane Review. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ wa ka Mabasa, Tiyani (5 June 2019). "Chilli Boys not good for Orlando Pirates". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Makhaya, Ernest (19 February 2017). "Chippa United sign former Orlando Pirates defender Mvelase". Goal. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Madlala, Robin-Duke (22 February 2018). "Royal Eagles sign Ryan Chapman, Mpho Mvelase and Victor Bokah". Kick Off. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "City snap up former Pirates player". The Citizen. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Rabothe, Tshepo (19 February 2023). "Marumo Gallants claim back-to-back CAF Confederation Cup victories". FAR Post. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Mothowagae, Daniel (23 April 2023). "Gallants' battle-scarred warriors". City Press. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Piek, Morgan (22 May 2023). "Disaster as Marumo are relegated". OFM. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Munyai, Ofhani (24 May 2024). "TS Galaxy midfielder sends strong message against ageism". FAR Post. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Munyai, Ofhani (18 May 2024). "How unsuccessful Pirates stint helped TS Galaxy midfielder grow". FAR Post. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Luthuli, Lusanda (11 June 2024). "Veteran PSL Star: 'I Want To Beat Vuyo Mere's Record'". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
External links
edit- Mvelase, Mpho (10 May 2024). "I Will Always Respect The TS Galaxy Badge". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- Luthuli, Lusanda (9 June 2024). "Mvelase: Why Ramovic Is A Great Coach". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 30 July 2024.