UP-Tuks currently sit top of the Varsity Football log and have yet to taste defeat. A big part of their success so far has been the form of 21-year-old Paballo Mamabolo who has played an integral role in orchestrating play and initiating attacks. We spoke to the midfielder and found what inspires him to one day play for Orlando Pirates.
Originally from Olievenhoutbosch a township outside Centurion Paballo, moved with his parents to Midrand but he and his father often went back to the township on weekends just for two things in particular, church and football.
Paballo’s father dreamed of playing for Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, but was unfortunately not able to fulfil that dream and now the torch is with Paballo who is also a big Pirates fan.
“I grew up in two towns, Midrand and Olivenhoutbosch they are my two homes, I used to travel to from Midrand to Olivenhoutbosch every weekend for church and football. I started playing from when I was 4 years old, my dad made poles for me out of pipes and placed them in the backyard. As I grew up I used to shoot at the poles. He helped me work on my touches,” he said.
“There has not been a lot of men in my family besides my father, in terms of support it has always been him taking me to tournaments and games so he has been my number one supporter. Externally I would like to thank everyone who helped me from Olivenhoutbosch, playing the games at kasi from when I was young.
“I believe football chose me. I do not have any footballing background in the family besides my father he was a soccer player but he did not get to where he wanted to get which is Orlando Pirates which is my dream club as well. I hope I can take the torch and go further with it. I know I am already making him proud. I just want to do it for him and my family.”
With the influence football has on Paballo, he hopes to take it to greater heights.
“Football changed my life in many ways, it has kept me grounded and disciplined and how to be calm and composed in life. It has taught me how to be selfless. It opened doors for me, obviously I want to play to the highest level and be able to pave a way for others,” he adds.
“I want to start a movement not just for footballers but footballers in Christ which is an initiative I started. I have two icons, my dad and Sergio Busquets, because I don’t think I would’ve been where I am if it was not of him and Busquets because of how he plays, I have always been a fan of intelligent footballers.”
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By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego
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