‘I Was Crying and Calling My Mother’ – Orlando Pirates Star Thabiso Sesane Opens Up About Almost Quitting Football
Johannesburg, South Africa– Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane, a rising star in both the Pirates squad and the South African national team, recently revealed the emotional turmoil he faced before getting his big break with the Sea Robbers. In a candid interview, Sesane shared how he was on the verge of quitting football altogether, as disappointment after disappointment threatened to derail his career.
The 23-year-old Bafana Bafana international recalled a difficult period in his life when he felt lost and unsure of his future in the sport. Despite showing promise as a young talent, the opportunities he desperately needed to solidify his career weren’t materializing. Sesane had been with Orlando Pirates’ development structures for years, but a call-up to the senior team seemed elusive. Frustration set in, and at one point, he almost gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Speaking about his lowest moment, Sesane revealed, “I was crying and calling my mother, telling her that I was done with football. I was ready to walk away. I felt like everything I was working for wasn’t going to happen, and I didn’t know what else to do.”
For Sesane, football was more than just a career path – it was a lifelong dream. Growing up in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, he had always aspired to don the famous black-and-white jersey of Orlando Pirates, one of the most prestigious clubs in South African football. His passion for the game was nurtured from a young age, but the pressures of not making it to the first team took a significant toll on his mental health.
“The hardest part was not knowing what the future held. I was working hard, but it felt like I was running into a brick wall. I was ready to tell my mother that maybe this wasn’t meant to be,” he added.
Just as Sesane was about to hang up his boots, fate intervened. After long months of self-doubt and near despair, Orlando Pirates finally called him up to the senior team. The defender described the moment as life-changing, saying that the call renewed his faith in both himself and his abilities.
“When the Pirates called me back, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I had been waiting for that moment for so long, and when it finally came, I knew I had to give everything I had to prove I belonged here,” said Sesane.
The talented defender made his debut for the senior team in 2020, and since then, he has steadily built a reputation as a reliable and versatile defender. His performances for Orlando Pirates have also earned him recognition at the national level, where he has been included in the Bafana Bafana squad for several international matches.
Sesane credits his mother and family for their unwavering support during his darkest days. “My mother always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. She kept encouraging me, telling me to hold on and keep praying. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her and my family’s support,” he shared.
His story has resonated with fans across the country, as many young athletes face similar challenges when trying to break into professional sports. Sesane’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, faith, and having a support system to lean on.
Today, Thabiso Sesane is no longer the young player questioning his future. He is a core part of Orlando Pirates’ defensive setup and continues to develop his game. With his strong performances in the DStv Premiership and potential international appearances for Bafana Bafana on the horizon, Sesane’s career is on an upward trajectory.
Reflecting on his past struggles, Sesane now encourages young players not to give up on their dreams, no matter how hard things get. “There were times when I thought my journey was over, but I kept going. Now, I can say it was all worth it. If you believe in yourself and work hard, the opportunities will come.”
As Sesane continues to shine for Orlando Pirates, his story of resilience and determination is sure to inspire many aspiring footballers across South Africa and beyond. His message is clear: no matter how tough the road gets, the dream is worth fighting for.
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