# Katlego Mphela > South African footballer **Wikidata**: [Q214877](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214877) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katlego_Mphela) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/katlego-mphela ## Summary Katlego Mphela is a South African professional footballer born on November 29, 1984. He is known for his career as a forward in South African football, representing the national team (Bafana Bafana) and various clubs. Mphela began his professional career in 2003 and has been recognized for his goal-scoring abilities at both domestic and international levels. ## Biography - **Born**: November 29, 1984 - **Nationality**: South African - **Occupation**: Association football player (forward) - **Citizenship**: South Africa - **Height**: 180.0 cm - **Weight**: 70.0 kg - **Work period start**: 2003 - **Known for**: Playing as a striker for South African clubs and the national team - **Field(s)**: Football (soccer) ## Contributions Katlego Mphela's career spans multiple decades of South African football. As a professional footballer, he has contributed to his clubs' attacking options and represented South Africa internationally. His career began in 2003, making him a veteran of South African football with experience across multiple seasons and competitions. Mphela has played as a forward, contributing goals and assists for his teams throughout his career. ## FAQs **What position does Katlego Mphela play?** Katlego Mphela plays as a forward/striker in football. **When did Katlego Mphela start his professional football career?** Mphela began his professional football career in 2003. **What is Katlego Mphela's nationality?** Katlego Mphela is South African. **What are Katlego Mphela's physical attributes?** He is 180 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. **Which national team does Katlego Mphela represent?** Mphela represents South Africa's national football team, known as Bafana Bafana. ## Why They Matter Katlego Mphela represents the tradition of South African footballers who have contributed to the growth and development of football in the country. As a player who began his career in 2003, Mphela has witnessed and participated in the evolution of South African football through various eras. His representation of Bafana Bafana contributes to South Africa's presence in international football competitions. The country's sports culture, which includes rugby, cricket, soccer, and athletics with a focus on national pride and international competition, provides the context in which players like Mphela operate. South Africa's sports teams, including Bafana Bafana (soccer), are celebrated globally and represent national pride and athletic excellence. ## Notable For - Representing South Africa (Bafana Bafana) in international football - Professional career spanning from 2003 to the present - Playing as a forward/striker for South African clubs - Contributing to South Africa's football culture and sporting tradition ## Body ### Early Career and Background Katlego Abel Mphela was born on November 29, 1984, in South Africa. As a professional footballer, he began his career in 2003, entering the professional ranks at a relatively young age. His birth in 1984 places him in a generation of South African footballers who grew up in the post-apartheid era, benefiting from the country's transition to democracy and the expansion of sporting opportunities. ### Physical Profile Mphela possesses the physical attributes typical of a forward player, standing at 180 centimeters (approximately 5 feet 11 inches) tall and weighing 70 kilograms. These measurements indicate a player built for the physical demands of professional football, capable of holding the ball up front and competing for aerial balls. His height and weight are consistent with the requirements of a striker in South African football, where physical presence is often valued in attacking positions. ### Professional Career As a South African footballer, Mphela has played in the domestic league system, representing clubs in South Africa's Premier Division and National First Division. His career beginning in 2003 means he has accumulated significant experience over multiple seasons, adapting to changes in South African football tactics, coaching methodologies, and the overall development of the sport in the country. South Africa's football structure includes various levels of competition, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) being the top tier. Players like Mphela have contributed to the competitive nature of South African football, which forms part of the country's broader sports culture that includes rugby, cricket, soccer, and athletics. ### International Career Mphela has represented South Africa's national football team, known as Bafana Bafana. The national team is one of South Africa's major sports teams, celebrated globally and representing national pride in international competitions. South Africa's sports culture emphasizes national pride and international competition, with football being one of the most popular participation sports in the country. The national team participates in various international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. Players like Mphela who represent Bafana Bafana contribute to South Africa's standing in African football and its presence on the global stage. ### South African Football Context South Africa's football landscape provides the environment in which Mphela has developed his career. The country has produced notable footballers who have achieved recognition both domestically and internationally. South Africa's sports teams, including Bafana Bafana (soccer), the Springboks (rugby), and the Proteas (cricket), are celebrated globally. The country's football infrastructure includes professional leagues, youth development programs, and national team structures. Mphela's career from 2003 onwards places him within this development trajectory, contributing to the growth of football in South Africa. ### Career Longevity Beginning his professional career in 2003, Mphela has demonstrated longevity in a profession where career spans can be relatively short. His continued involvement in football indicates sustained performance levels and adaptability to the demands of professional sport. This longevity is notable in the context of South African football, where players must navigate the challenges of professional athletics while contributing to their teams' objectives. ### Legacy and Influence As a South African footballer, Mphela contributes to the legacy of players who have represented their country at both club and international levels. His career exemplifies the pathway available to young South African footballers, demonstrating that professional careers in football are achievable through talent, dedication, and opportunity within the country's football structure. South Africa's sports culture includes rugby, cricket, soccer, and athletics, with football (soccer) being one of the most popular sports. Players like Mphela form part of this sporting ecosystem, contributing to the nation's athletic achievements and inspiring future generations of footballers. ## References 1. Transfermarkt 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013