Mthokozisi Yende is a former South African footballer who played midfielder for several Premier Soccer League clubs, most notably Kaizer Chiefs. He is renowned for his versatility, work rate and leadership on the field.
He retired from professional football in 2017 and became a businessman and lifestyle influencer. He holds a degree in sports management from the University of Pretoria.
File
- Full name: Mthokozisi Yende
- Date of birth: June 7, 1984
- Age: 40 years old
- male
- Place of birth: Tembisa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Retired soccer player, businessman, lifestyle influencer
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Not applicable
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: N/A
- Net worth: 1 million USD
Early Life & Education
Mthokozisi Yende was born on 7 June 1984 in Tembisa, a town in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in a poor and crime-ridden area, where football was a popular escape for many young people.
He started playing football at a young age and joined local club, Tembisa Classic when he was 12 years old. He showed potential and talent as a midfielder and attracted the attention of scouts from bigger clubs.
He moved to Benoni Premier United, a club based in Ekurhuleni when he was 16 years old. He debuted in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2002 and became a regular starter.
He also played for the University of Pretoria, where he studied sports management and graduated in 2008. He was a key player for the university team, which competed in the National First Division (NFD), second division of South African football.
Personal life
Mthokozisi Yende is very private about his personal life and does not reveal much about his family, relationships or children.
He has not confirmed whether he is married, single or dating anyone. However, he has admitted to having a romantic relationship with “lover” by one of his coaches at Kaizer Chiefs, which caused a rift between him and the coach. He thinks the love affair was a mistake and he regrets it very much.
Career
Mthokozisi Yende’s career began when he joined Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most successful and popular clubs in South Africa in 2009.
He signed a three-year contract with the club and was given the number 10 shirt previously worn by legends such as Doctor Khumalo and Siyabonga Nomvethe.
In a match against SuperSport United, he made his debut for the club, where he scored his first and only goal. He helped the club win the MTN 8 Cup in 2010 and the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2011.
However, his career at Kaizer Chiefs may be smoother. He faces stiff competition for a place in the starting lineup from other midfielders such as Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Tinashe Nengomasha and Josta Dladla. He also had conflicts with coach Vladimir Vermezovic because of his affair with the coach “lover“.
He was sidelined and loaned to Free State Stars in 2012. He returned to Kaizer Chiefs in 2013 but was released by the club at the end of the season.
He then joined Moroka Swallows, playing one season before moving to Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2014. He played two seasons at Black Aces, but his form and fitness declined.
He was released by the club in 2016 and struggled to find another club. He finally announced his retirement from professional football in 2017 at the age of 33.
He then ventured into business and influenced lifestyles. He founded his company, Mtho Yende Holdings, specializing in real estate development, event management and sports consulting.
prize
Mthokozisi Yende has won the following awards during his football career:
- MTN Cup 8: 2010 (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Telkom Knockout Cup: 2011 (Kaizer Chiefs)
- NFD Coastal Stream Player of the Season: 2008-09 (University of Pretoria)
Argumentative
The most controversial moment in Mthokozisi Yende’s career was his love affair with “lover” by his coach at Kaizer Chiefs, Vladimir Vermezovic.
He revealed the affair in an interview with Drum magazine in 2013, where he said he met the woman at a club and did not know that she was in a relationship with the coach.
He said the affair lasted for several months and he ended it when he learned the truth. He said the coach discovered the affair and confronted him. He said the coach was angry, bitter and treated him poorly.
He said the coach benched him and loaned him to another club. He said the incident was a mistake and apologized to the coach and the woman.
The incident caused much drama and backlash from fans and the media. Many people criticized him for being unprofessional and disrespectful.
Some accused him of lying and fabricating stories to justify his poor performance and lack of playing time.
Some people defended him and said he was a victim of jealousy and abuse of power by the coach. The incident also affected his relationship with his teammates as well as his reputation in the football world.
Social Media
- Instagram: @mthoyende
- Twitter: @MthoYende
Net value
According to some sources, Mthokozisi Yende’s net worth is estimated at $1 million.
He earned most of his money from his football career where he played for several clubs in the PSL and earned lucrative contracts and endorsements.
