Former Orlando Pirates striker Mbuyane vows to keep serving his community after election campaign

Former Orlando Pirates striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane says his entry into politics has strengthened his determination to support the community of Mamelodi, despite not winning a councillor position in the Local Government Elections.

Known to football supporters as ‘Juju’, Mbuyane was among the candidates nominated to contest a councillor position in the City of Tshwane during elections held last week Wednesday.

He stood for Liberation Forum South Africa and was seeking the top position in ward 67 in Tshwane.

Mbuyane said the campaign had given him a valuable understanding of the challenges facing residents and that he intended to remain involved in community work beyond the elections.

“It was a good exercise, and we won three seats during the elections,” he told KickOff.

“It was an overwhelming experience for me. It was exciting to see the posters and people believing in me. To be honest, I enjoyed the whole exercise.

“This is not the end of the road. It’s a long journey.

“I have always been on the ground with people. I have always tried to give help to my community. I will continue to do the same and serve the community. Campaigning during the elections also gave me an opportunity to listen to their problems and see conditions that some people live under in their respective communities,” he added.

Mbuyane previously played for Orlando Pirates and has since become involved in a football development programme in Mamelodi.

His campaign made him one of two former PSL players mentioned in connection with the elections. Simphiwe Duze, who played in defence for Golden Arrows, also stood for a position with a political party in KwaZulu-Natal.

Duze is now a businessman based in Dundee, while Mbuyane says his political experience will complement the work he is already doing in his local community.