Rammile credits Shakes Mashaba for shaping his football career

Thabiso Rammile has credited Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba with playing a major role in his development and has called for the former coach to make a speedy recovery from his ongoing health problems.

Rammile said Mashaba’s experience remains valuable to South African football and that he still has an important contribution to make, particularly by helping young players establish themselves in the game.

Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, Rammile recalled Mashaba’s support during his time with the South African U23 team. He was the only member of that squad playing in the First Division, but Mashaba backed him and challenged him to show he could compete with players from higher levels.

“I am who I am and have achieved what I have achieved in my football career because of Bra Shakes. I wish him everything of the best, and I would like to see him back on his feet and doing what he does best, which is getting involved in football and producing footballers,” said Rammile.

The player believes Mashaba’s influence extends well beyond his own career, with many footballers having benefited from the coach’s guidance.

“We still need him in the game. There are still a lot of young players and people in football who would benefit from his experience. Bra Shakes has made a big difference in the lives of a lot of footballers, including myself,” he added.

Rammile said Mashaba’s faith in him was especially significant because of the difference in their players’ divisions at the time.

“I still remember there was a time when he coached the South African U23 team and I was the only player in the team who was playing in the First Division. He believed in me and would encourage me to work twice as hard because I was coming from a lower division compared to the other players in the team,” he said.

Rammile reflected on Mashaba’s wider contribution to football in South Africa and expressed sadness at his current circumstances.

“That’s why I say I am who I am because of him. It’s so sad that he finds himself in his current situation after having done so much for South African football. I just want to wish him a very speedy recovery.”