Name: Tiago Tlhabanello
Date of birth: 11 January 2006
Place of birth: Windhoek
Age: 17
Team: Ramblers
Position: Striker
School: IA Academy
There is a famous saying that goes “It runs in the family”, and that is what best describes this young formidable striker from Ramblers that goes by the name Tiago Tlhabanello, son of former Black Africa, Civics and national goalkeeper Tiro Tlhabanello.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a fun guy that loves playing footbal, but I used to play rugby in primary school first. I like to take part in things that interest me. My favourite subjects are math and science. I like math more because it is challenging and it gets harder as you get to the bigger grades. While in science you learn about human bodies and the ecosystem.
When did you start playing footbal?
I started playing footbal at a very young age, with my friends in the streets. I
used to watch my father play footbal
and he saw how interested I was in playing. He enrolled me into the Ramblers U/7 team.
Your father played as a goalkeeper, how come you did not follow in his footsteps?
I tried it once and it did not work out for me as being a striker suited me best. My father is my role model, I want to get to where he was and also play for the national team and in the premier league.
Do you aspire to be a professional footballer?
Yes but first I want to start in the first division, as I played one game in that division where we beat Black Africa 3 – 2. I feel next year, I will be ready to play for Ramblers in the first division and start working my way up to the premier league.
Which international team would
you like to play for and why?
I would want to play for Mamelodi Sundowns, as Peter Shalulile plays for them. I look up to him, he is also one of my role models. On a bigger stage, I would love to play for Manchester United, I have been supporting them since I was born.
Which team do you support locally?
At first, I never supported African Stars but now that my father is their goalkeeper coach, they are my favourite team. They just won the league this
year, the way they played is remarkable. They lost one game this season.
How does it feel playing in the MTC HopSol Youth League so far?
It is a nice experience, you can see that there is a lot of talent in the league. The players are trying really hard to prove themselves and it is very competitive.
Do you have any advice for your peers that are not playing footbal?
Partying and stuff like that will not
take you far, because it will decrease
your life span. Pursue your dreams and keep on trying because somewhere somehow there is light at the end of the tunnel.