Posted in Features, News, Team News on Jul 06, 2018.
- Ramahlwe ‘Rama’ Mphahlele is born and bred in Ga-Mphahlele. Siphiwe Tshabalala’s wife Bokang also originates from there. The famous writer, educationist, artist and activist, the late Es’kia Mphahlele was born there as well. “I have been reading his books,” Kaizer Chiefs’ right-back comments.
- His father is a maths and history teacher at a primary school. Rama himself was into geography and biology. “I loved to learn things about the human body,” he explains his choice for biology.
- Rama sold tomatoes and onions to make some extra money for the family when he was about 10-years-old.
- He joined the Turfloop Sport School of Excellence in Polokwane in early 2002. Rama went to the Mamabudišha High School. But his mother soon struggled to pay the school fees. Luckily, the principal of the school gave him a bursary to study and to stay for free at a hostel.
- Rama was scouted six months later by Godfrey Mosoetsa of the SuperSport Feyenoord Academy. After having been at Moroka Swallows, Mphahlele moved to Mamelodi Sundowns. However, he struggled to break into the line-up, especially when Dutchman Johan Neeskens was the head coach. The right-back sent a sms to club boss Patrice Motsepe, requesting to leave to get some game time. He was soon loaned out to the University of Pretoria in mid-2012.
- It was under the guidance of Steve Barker, the coach of the University of Pretoria that Rama started getting recognised. “He’s one of those coaches who will give you responsibility. Barker is also a very motivational coach, giving you the feeling that you can do it.”
- Mphahlele really shone at the University of Pretoria, which meant that, when Pitso Mosimane took over at Mamelodi Sundowns, he returned to Chloorkop already in early 2013. The first game was against Kaizer Chiefs. Rama was flying and was awarded the Man of the Match award after the goalless draw.
- He joined the Glamour Boys in 2016, winning several club awards for his excellent performances during the season, including the Players’ Player of the Season trophy. The prize was the opportunity to drive the 2017/2018 season in a branded Toyota RAV4. “When the sponsorship deal between Chiefs and Toyota was launched, I was one of eight players asked to drive one of the various Toyota models available. I immediately opted for the RAV4. I still can’t believe that I would soon drive that Toyota model. It’s such a magnificent car. I love it!”
- Rama enjoys reading books. His favourite is The way of a peaceful warrior, written by Dan Millman. “The story of the book is based on the life of the author, a world champion athlete. It’s a book about the power of mental strength and, also, to be calm and work hard for everything you want to achieve. It’s about how to become a peaceful warrior.”
- The 28-year-old wants to become a businessman after his playing days. “I am looking at a few options to get involved in.”
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