Ramahlwe Mphahlele is keeping it real about his future, but his eyes are fixed on one goal: keeping Orbit College in the top flight. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has acknowledged that his decorated career is entering its final stages, but his immediate priority remains helping Orbit College close out the season strongly.
Mphahlele joined the Rustenburg-based outfit as a free agent after parting ways with AmaZulu. The experienced defender was signed by the Mswenko Boys earlier this season, bringing leadership and valuable experience as the club battles to secure survival in its first-ever Betway Premiership campaign.
Orbit currently sit 15th on the Betway Premiership table, five points clear of the automatic relegation spot occupied by Magesi FC. Despite the challenges, the club has placed itself in a position where survival remains a realistic possibility — an objective they set for themselves at the beginning of the season.
The 36-year-old has made six league appearances so far this season and still believes he can contribute on the field, although he admits that the end of his playing days is fast approaching.
“I love football and enjoy playing football, but I am starting to have certain conversations with myself — the end is very near,” Mphahlele told Independent Newspapers at the Red Bull 1Pal event this past weekend. “I am trying to help the youngsters before I can bow down. I am still enjoying the game, but the fact is the end is near and there is not much time left for me in football.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender believes his experience will remain crucial for the remainder of the season as Orbit fight to maintain their top-flight status.
“The mandate is clear: we are a small team that came from the NFD. There are no complications — save the team from relegation. We have a very young and inexperienced team, but we are trying to help the boys cope with the level in the PSL.
“Where we find ourselves right now is a very tricky position, so we need each and every single point. We are like the kids in this league, but we will graft for every point and we know how important those points will be at the end of the season.
“If Orbit can have another season in the top flight, they will get better and get used to how things are done in the PSL, but for now the mandate is to save the club from relegation.”
Looking back on a career that has spanned several successful years in South African football, Mphahlele believes discipline and a simple approach to the game have played a key role in his longevity. He credits a piece of advice from legendary coach Pitso Mosimane as something that has guided him throughout his career.
“It’s not the easiest thing to do, but just respect the game and humble yourself,”he continued.
“You have to choose. Pitso once said to me that if there is anything that is going to disturb football, then leave football and go do that.
“I have always taken football as my job. I have never said I am going to training — I always say I am going to work. I see a lot of youngsters taking it for granted and I feel sorry for them because one day they will realise how privileged they were to be in that position.”
Orbit will next be in action in the Betway Premiership against Mphahlele’s former side at the Olympia Park on Tuesday (kickoff 7.30pm).
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch