Not many footballers can boast about having a song and dance dedicated to them during their heydays on the field. In the case of Soweto-born Thuso Phala, he not only had a song but also a popular dance move that became synonymous with his name. The 37-year-old former SuperSport United (SSU) right-winger turned striker caused a frenzy with his shoulder-shaking celebration dance move during his career, and it even gave birth to the Thuso Phala gqom song by Bizizi, DJ Cleo, and DJ Buckz in 2018.
Professional Football Career
Phala’s journey in professional football began in 2006 when he joined the now-defunct North West football club, Silver Stars. Which later changed its name to Platinum Stars before ceasing operations. After just one season with Dikwena, he made a move to Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs. Where he spent two seasons between 2007 and 2009. Phala also had stints at Choorlop with Mamelodi Sundowns before returning to Platinum Stars.
During his three-season tenure at the club, Phala made a significant impact, netting 12 goals in over 80 appearances. However, it is with SuperSport United that Phala’s name would be most remembered. Having joined the Pretoria-based club in 2013 and staying until 2019. The more time he spent with the team, the more game time he received. Leading to an increase in his goal tally and, of course, his signature celebration dance move.
Phala would later move to Black Leopards but unfortunately had to cut his contract short due to the COVID-19 lockdown. He unofficially hung up his boots in 2019. While he never tasted league title glory, Phala lifted five major trophies with SSU. including 1 Telkom Knockout, 2 Nedbank Cup trophies, and 2 MTN8 trophies.
Internationally, Phala made his debut for Bafana Bafana in 2010 and also represented South Africa at both the 2013 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. In total, he netted two goals for the national team during his career.
Assault Allegations
In 2017, Phala’s name made headlines due to accusations of assault. According to a woman named Zinhle Mbatha, the star was involved in a brawl at Stoep 15, a pub in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Mbatha alleged that she was hit with a beer bottle on her head during the fight when a woman who was allegedly with Phala attacked her, while the soccer player allegedly attacked her friend. At the time, SuperSport United released a statement. Im which Phala denied all knowledge of the alleged abuse and sought legal advice against these defamatory allegations.
Where is Thuso Phala Now?
As of 2020, Thuso Phala revealed during an interview on Prime Sports With Mahlatse, conducted at his mansion in Fourways, Johannesburg. That he had ventured into the property industry. He disclosed that he had tenants and was actively working on building communes with his mother, Suzan Phala, in Soweto. “Those are things that I got into from an early age. That’s the lucky part. I’ve contained some properties which I have,” he said.
Additionally, Phala is reportedly working as a bakkie driver, collaborating with his mother in the waste collection business. Thuso Phala’s transition from the football pitch to entrepreneurship and property investment highlights his adaptability and commitment to building a successful career beyond sports.
