Sivukile Sport: May Mahlangu

·23 min·2 clips

May Mahlangu argues that at 23 in South Africa you're still a youngster, while in Europe 15-year-olds play Champions League.

The episode features an interview with former professional footballer May Mahlangu on the Sivukile Breakfast Show. Mahlangu opens by criticizing South African football's view of age, noting that 23-year-olds are considered youngsters there, while in Europe, teenagers as young as 15 play in top competitions like the Champions League. He cites examples like Cristiano Ronaldo playing at 40 to argue for valuing experience. Mahlangu expresses his belief that he still has a chance to play in Europe, referencing his early ambition from his Stars of Africa days. He discusses keeping fit through gym training and informal games but emphasizes the need for professional game time. When talking about contract discussions in South Africa, he describes them as chaotic ('a fungala'), which has blocked opportunities to share his Europa League and Champions League experience. Mahlangu recalls his first national team call-up by coach Peter, a match against Senegal in Durban where he won Man of the Match. He connects this to his European training, mentioning how he practiced skills like 'Gapete'. The conversation shifts to his Mehima Thango Foundation, which focuses on community giving, and his 15-year career in Europe where he learned different cultures and languages. He reflects on wanting to give back to South African football but feels it requires analysis. Mahlangu briefly touches on contract financials, mentioning seven-year contracts and payments. Towards the end, he shares personal details: his first wife Notando is turning 10 years old in September, and he has a son turning three in October, along with another child. The interview concludes with casual remarks about his family and background.

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