Thulani Mabaso opens up on emotional ‘dream’ Kaizer Chiefs debut 

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thulani Mabaso has opened up about the emotional roller-coaster he went through when he finally made his senior team debut this week.

Mabaso came on as a 74^th minute substitute for Chiefs during their 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday and nearly marked his debut with a goal.

However, just donning the black and gold at senior level was a moment to cherish for the 21-year-old who was promoted to the senior team this season after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge team that he led to the title last term.

The defensive midfielder was part of the Chiefs pre-season tour of the Netherlands and also formed part of the DDC team that visited the United Kingdom where they played matches against Queen Park Rangers, Manchester United and Leeds United.

Mabaso on lessons from Holland and England

These have been valuable lessons for the youngster who is now hoping to apply them in the rest of his career.

“Travelling on the pre-season tour to the Netherlands was also very good for me. To be around experienced players helped me to understand what it takes to be a professional footballer,” Mabaso told the club’s website.

“In football, you never stop learning so I am grateful to have been there to pick up some tips that I will carry forward. It was a good tour. I was happy to get a chance to play and prove that I am capable of playing at the highest level.”

Mabaso also explained the feeling of finally playing for the senior team when he got a little over 15 minutes in front of home supporters at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

Chiefs youngster thrilled with dream debut

“I think everyone knows that playing for Chiefs is everyone’s dream. From the moment I stepped on the pitch I thought, ‘just believe in yourself,’ because in life sometimes you only get one chance so I have to make the most of it,” he added.

“Those were some of my coaches and teammates from Meadowlands Academy when I was about 12 years old, who came to support me. It was really emotional, a great feeling, seeing them there to support me.

“It is something you can’t really explain. It reminds you of where you come from. A special moment that will remain in my heart forever.”

Mabaso will be hoping to get his first taste of continental football when Chiefs play away to Zambian side ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, having been included in the squad.