Ex-Bafana star: How Neymar almost ended my career

FORMER Bafana Bafana defender Thabo Nthethe says he still remembers his worst moment as a professional soccer player.

It was when Bafana were hammered 5-0 by Brazil in an international friendly game at FNB Stadium in 2014.

According to the retired soccer star, the game is still fresh in his mind. He remembers being mesmerised by the Brazilian superstar, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, who he described as very talented, skillful, and quick.

"My worst moment is the Brazil game. It was my last call-up for national duties. I struggled to contain Neymar; the way he moved, the level was not the same," he said.

He said that Neymar's take-off was amazing.

"His dribbling is unique. When you watch him on TV, you might think he's slow. When you face him, it's amazing; he is very fast. I'm a professional player but playing against another professional player on a different level, you could see the difference. His dribbling, his thinking, and his take-off," he said.

Thabo said that whatever Neymar achieved, he deserved it. Meanwhile, his best moment was when he won the Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.

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"I was so happy that I had done so well to achieve that. I never thought I'd achieve that. It was only a league, which I wanted more. God was guiding me. I don't regret anything in my career. He almost made me retire from football early and prematurely," he said.

Thabo said that his desire was to play on the biggest stage. The now development coach of Casric Stars in the National First Division said that whatever you dream of, work on it and don't be confused by adding other things.

He said that to be a professional footballer, one must be focused and must do everything with heart. He said that his dream was to play for Chelsea in England.

He said that they're working hard to get a promotion to the PSL. Thabo said that he was an ambassador for MTN 8 and was looking to do more in his coaching job.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic player played 16 seasons since 2002. He said that he retired in 2019 and is currently playing for the masters.

"I continue to exercise, I run a lot to keep myself fit. I eat well. My favourite food is pasta with mushroom sauce and chicken chops," he said.

He also likes breakfast with bread, avocado and eggs.

He also played for TS Galaxy, Chippa United, and Baroka FC.