Thabiso Sesane, a standout player for the Orlando Pirates, recently opened up about a tough chapter in his football journey that nearly led him to hang up his boots.
It’s a story of resilience, perseverance, and the highs and lows that come with the beautiful game.
Starting Out at Orlando Pirates
Sesane kicked off his career with the Pirates’ reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), where his skills quickly caught the attention of coaches.
His hard work paid off when he earned a promotion to the senior team for the 2020/21 season.
However, the following two seasons brought a different experience as he was loaned out to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
He initially joined Jomo Cosmos, who are now part of the ABC Motsepe League, before moving on to the now-defunct All Stars FC for the next season.
Returning to His Roots
As the 2023/24 season approached, Sesane made his return to the Pirates.
However, rejoining the team didn’t come easy.
He faced a tough battle for playing time initially but eventually fought his way into the starting lineup.
His persistence has been rewarding; he’s racked up 22 appearances across competitions and played a crucial role in helping Orlando Pirates secure two titles: the Nedbank Cup last season and the MTN8 this season.
International Recognition
Sesane’s consistent performances have not gone unnoticed.
He earned his first call-up to the national team, Bafana Bafana, for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where he participated in back-to-back matches against Congo Brazzaville.
This milestone marks a significant moment in his career, showing that hard work truly pays off.
The Struggles of a Loan Spell
Looking back, the 24-year-old recalled a particularly difficult time during his loan to Jomo Cosmos.
After seeing some action in the 2020/21 season, playing seven matches, the decision to loan him out came as a shock.
At that time, he faced fierce competition from experienced defenders like Thulani Hlatshawayo, Happy Jele, and others.
Reflecting on the situation, Sesane shared, “During pre-season in North West, I think I got injured.
When we got to Johannesburg, I received a call from the office telling me, ‘We’re loaning you out because we don’t think there’s space for you this season.’
I was stunned, but I accepted it. They told me it was to Jomo Cosmos.
It was really tough there; I won’t lie, I often found myself in tears.
I’d call my mom and tell her I was considering quitting football altogether.”
Overcoming Adversity
Despite the challenges he faced while at Cosmos, including feeling like he was just a loan player after making 15 appearances, Sesane’s determination ultimately won out.
When he left Jomo Cosmos at the end of the season, he realized that he had learned valuable lessons about resilience and fighting for his place on the field.
Today, he stands as a testament to how overcoming adversity can lead to greater achievements in life and sport.
As Sesane continues to make his mark in football, his story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes who may find themselves in similarly challenging situations.