Thapelo Xoki available for Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 final against Sundowns

Thapelo Xoki has declared himself fit to help Orlando Pirates in any role as they pursue silverware against Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The experienced defender has been out of competitive football for a full year because of injury, but his return to availability gives Pirates a timely boost ahead of the final.

Speaking to the media at Rand Stadium, Xoki praised the club’s medical staff and wider support structure for helping him through a difficult rehabilitation process. He said their backing had extended beyond his physical recovery to include his psychological wellbeing.

“For me, I’ve always said I’m grateful first to the team for the support they’ve given me over the past year. To the medical department, they’ve gone far beyond to try and assist me to get back. Not only physically, but also psychologically, because to be out for a full year, it’s not an easy thing,” Xoki said.

The 29-year-old added that he was eager to contribute to a Pirates side aiming to create its own piece of club history.

“But yeah, I’m just excited to help the group in whatever capacity I can. And looking forward to help the guys also make history. For us, it’s just about making history and making sure that we better the history of the club,” he said.

Xoki embraces senior role

While sidelined, Xoki has also taken on a mentoring role within the Buccaneers squad. He has helped younger players understand the culture of Orlando Pirates, the standards expected of professionals and the demands of maintaining a career at the highest level.

The defender said his approach had been influenced by the guidance he received earlier in his own career from former South African internationals OJ Mabizela and Robyn Johannes.

“For me, it’s just laying the culture to them, the culture of the club, what’s expected of them as professionals. And what it takes to be at this level for a long time. It’s a position that I’ve embraced as an individual. When I was young, I had senior players who guided me in my journey,” he explained.

“I played with the likes of OJ [Mabizela] and Robyn Johannes. So at that age, they made me realise the importance of having someone senior to guide you. Not only in terms of playing wise, but in terms of behaviour as well, how to conduct yourself as a professional.”

Xoki said he valued the opportunity to support the younger members of the squad, although his competitive instincts remained unchanged.

“So I’ve embraced that role, if I can put it like that. But I’m still also a competitor by nature. So I still also want to compete. But yeah, I play my role as best as I can,” he concluded.