Thabo Mngomeni was a joy to watch, especially in Orlando Pirates colours during the late 90s and early 2000s.
His dreadlocks became an iconic symbol of his talent and success throughout his playing career. Mngomeni, a late bloomer, truly flourished after joining the Buccaneers in 1998, where he became a regular contributor to the Bafana Bafana national team.
He began his professional career at Cape Town Spurs before having a brief stint at Manning Rangers. However, it was his move to the Buccaneers that made him a household name. After four years in the Eastern Cape, the now 56-year-old retired midfielder transitioned to Orlando Pirates.
Thabo Mngomeni captained Pirates to 2001 league triumph
Mngomeni played for Orlando Pirates from 1998 to 2002 and eventually became the club captain, leading them to the league title in 2001.
During this time, he also became a regular for the national team, standing out as one of the few locally based players in the South African squad. At Bafana Bafana, Mngomeni earned 38 caps and scored six goals. He is remembered as a midfield workhorse, having won the 2001 CAF Goal of the Year award for his spectacular goal against Congo.
What does Thabo Mngomeni do now?
As for what Thabo Mngomeni is doing now, last year he completed his CAF B license diploma, qualifying him to sit on the bench during CAF continental and club competitions.
He has made a low-key return with the junior national teams, serving as the assistant coach for the South African Under-15 and Under-17 teams in recent years. In 2024, Thabo Mngomeni was appointed as the assistant coach to Kurt Lentjies at FC Ravens, to secure promotion to the ABC Motsepe League.
How good was Mngomeni?
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