Tefu Mashamaite, former captain of Kaizer Chiefs, recently shared his thoughts on leaving the club back in 2015.
It was a move that came after an incredibly successful season, in which he led Chiefs to a league double, winning both Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season awards.
But, despite all the success, Mashamaite made the decision to depart for Sweden just weeks after the team’s triumph.
A Successful Chapter with Chiefs
Mashamaite’s decision to leave wasn’t made lightly.
In a candid interview on the Bettor Pod with Lorenz Köhle, the ex-defender explained that while he had ambitions of staying with Chiefs, there were aspects that led to his eventual departure.
“I don’t regret leaving Chiefs,” he shared.
“I think I achieved everything I needed to achieve with them. I wanted to stay, but we couldn’t agree on certain things, so I decided to spread my wings because there were many opportunities on the table for me.”
The Regret of Missing MLS
While Mashamaite doesn’t regret leaving Chiefs, there is one decision he looks back on with a sense of what could have been.
“One of the biggest regrets of my career is not signing for New York City FC,” he confessed.
“I went for trials, and a contract was offered, but everything fell apart at the last minute. That’s when I made my way to Sweden.”
The Struggles in Sweden
Mashamaite’s time in Sweden, which lasted just one season, didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped.
He faced significant challenges, including a serious injury.
“I had a huge injury and underwent an operation. That was the first time I heard of compartment syndrome,” he revealed.
The harsh climate and artificial turf in Sweden didn’t help, and Mashamaite struggled to adapt.
The physical toll became so severe that he nearly lost his leg.
“After recovering, I decided to go home and focus on prolonging my career,” he explained, as his passion for the game began to wane.
Looking Ahead
While Mashamaite’s career had its ups and downs, his time at Chiefs remains a standout chapter.
Today, as he reflects on both his triumphs and challenges, he continues to look forward to new opportunities and the future of his career.
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