Thapelo Morena has taken time to reflect on a memorable career with Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the start of a new CAF Champions League campaign away to Burundian Premier League side Bumamuru.
The 30-year-old joined Sundowns from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2016 and has gone on to play 250 times for the club, scoring 21 goals and creating 29, while winning numerous trophies.
He is yet to play this season after suffering a hamstring injury but is expected to be a contender for this weekend’s Second round qualifier.
Speaking to the Brazilians’ Pitchside podcast, Morena revealed: “The most important thing as a footballer is to have a healthy change room and if you have that you will win everything.
“It’s a tradition that we found here. Coming from Celtic I used to have my headphones on when doing a pitch inspection before the game but the first thing they said to me was ‘no headphones here’.
“It was Denis Onyango who said that to me and we also explain to the new guys that we don’t do that here.”
Morena added: “For me it was very emotional to win my first league title.
“I remember after the game, I couldn’t wait to get home because I wanted to take the medal to my father. He was very happy and he said to me that ‘this is what you’ve always wanted and now you’re living the dream you always wanted.’
“As a player you want to have something to show at the end. I wanted to come to Sundowns and coming to them has given me something that I always wanted in my life as a footballer – to win trophies. It’s different to when you were young because now you remember where it all started.”