Robin Rhode makes competitive football comeback with Young Bafana

Former Chippa United striker Robin Rhode has returned to competitive football after a two-year absence, joining ABC Motsepe League side Young Bafana and making an immediate impact.

The 36-year-old, who left the game because of work commitments, has already scored once and provided two assists in his first two appearances for the club.

Rhode is currently a full-time coach at Paul Roos Gymnasium, but was recruited by Young Bafana to add experience to a largely youthful squad. Head coach Jacobs reportedly sees him as an ideal mentor for the club’s younger players.

The ABC Motsepe League is South Africa’s third tier, and Young Bafana are the 2022 SAFA Second Division champions.

Goals and assists on return

Rhode may no longer have the pace that was a feature of his professional career, but his instinct in front of goal has remained evident since returning to action.

His early contribution has included one goal and two assists, providing the club with both experience and attacking productivity.

“Honestly, I’m flattered to know my services are still needed and valued. I appreciate the fact that the coach has instilled the necessary trust and confidence in me to guide the youngsters,” Rhode told KickOff.

His return comes after a professional career in which he made more than 60 appearances for Chippa United and scored approximately 40 goals.

That record established Rhode as one of the more dependable finishers in the PSL during his time in the Eastern Cape, where he built his reputation as a regular source of goals.

Promotion success with Steenberg United

Rhode also played an important part in Steenberg United’s promotion to the National First Division.

During that campaign, he flourished under the management of the late Mike Lukhubeni. Their work together formed part of Rhode’s successful playing career and remains a notable chapter in the lower tiers of South African football.

Now, after stepping away from the professional game, Rhode is combining his coaching responsibilities at Paul Roos Gymnasium with a return to the pitch.

Young Bafana’s decision to bring him into the squad has given the club a player with extensive PSL experience, while Rhode has shown in his opening two matches that his ability to influence games remains intact.