Former Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Rakhale has admitted that sitting home doing nothing in relation to professional football of late is frustrating him.
The midfielder joined Pirates in 2012 from Sivutsa Stars. He also played for Polokwane City in between through a loan transfer deal. But he was permanently released by the Buccaneers in 2018 and went on to join Chippa United.
After lasting for at least two seasons at the Chilli Boys, the 33-year-old midfielder went on to join TTM. He won the Nedbank Cup title in 2021. However, things started going south for him after being released by Sekhukhune United in February last year when the club got rid of a host of players.
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Since then, Jomo, as he is affectionately known in football circles, didn’t play professional football and has now admitted that it is somehow exasperating him.
“Well, it is frustrating not playing for such a long time. You know when you are used to waking up going to work and suddenly that stops, it somehow plays with your mind,” Rakhale told LimSportsZone.
“But then one needs to be strong and have the necessary support. You can just imagine when you have to answer in the streets “Why don’t you go back to Pro”. That’s the question that always makes me feel like a failure. I’d just tell myself I have played my part, then it’s a chance for others, maybe.”
The clubless Rakhale has been the subject of interest from many teams lately. Nonetheless, the Vaal-born star says things fell through unexpectedly despite teams promising him contracts.
THABO RAKHALE STILL HAS A LOT TO OFFER
The once fan favorite dribbling wizard feels he still has a lot to offer in the professional ranks.
“Teams have shown interest since last year, but in the end, you will never know what happened. They will just go mute on you and ask yourself what is it you have done wrong in your previous teams,” he explained.
“I was not troublesome. But we live with faith and belief which somehow I think it’s God’s doing and as for retiring, I believe I’m left with two or three seasons to offer. I am still fresh and haven’t been one of those injury prone players.”
By Clifton Mabasa
