Thabiso Kutumela, a forward for Richards Bay FC, recently opened up about his experiences at Mamelodi Sundowns.

His journey at the club brought challenges that affected his love for the game, prompting a significant shift in his career.

A Shift in Circumstances

Kutumela’s exit from Sundowns came during the latest transfer window, following a tough period where he struggled to earn a spot in the starting lineup.

Joining the team from Maritzburg United in the 2021/22 season, he spent two years with the club, where he made 38 appearances, netting five goals and assisting six times.

Despite his contributions, securing regular playing time proved to be a challenge.

In pursuit of more opportunities on the pitch, Kutumela spent last season on loan at Cape Town City FC.

Unfortunately, his time there didn’t yield the results he had hoped for, as he managed to score only three goals across 26 league matches.

Opening Up About His Decision

Reflecting on his time at Sundowns, Kutumela shared that he was the one who initiated his loan move to Cape Town City.

The lack of playing time was becoming disheartening, and he felt his passion for the game slipping away.

“I wasn’t disappointed to leave Sundowns because I requested the loan move,” he told FARPost.

“My first season was great; we won the MTN8, the Nedbank Cup, and the league.

But injuries affected my second season, and by the third, I realized I couldn’t continue sitting on the bench.”

The frustration of not playing started to impact his love for football, something he never wanted to experience.

“I was beginning to lose my passion, which was tough because football is what I love,” he explained.

“The best solution was to seek a loan opportunity.”

A Grateful Transition

When the decision to release him from Sundowns was made, Kutumela felt a wave of relief.

“I was thankful to God and to myself because sitting on the bench for two seasons would have made it hard to find a new team,” he remarked.

He understood that planning for his future was crucial, stressing that athletes should not just sit back and rely on their contracts without considering what lies ahead.

He noted the challenges faced by players who leave Sundowns after limited playing time.

“It can be tough to find a team afterward, especially if you aren’t match fit,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of staying proactive in one’s career.

With a new chapter at Richards Bay FC, Kutumela is now focused on reigniting his passion for the game and making the most of his opportunities on the field.

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