A Transnet School of Excellence (SOE) product, Onele Rulwana joined Mamelodi Sundowns at the age of 19 with his friend and teammate Siyabonga Mabena, with whom he made waves in both the SOE and Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team. During the DDC pre-season, they were joined by two other mates, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Akhanyile Norawana, allowing them to refine their brotherhood on and off the pitch. Rulwana admitted that he enjoyed playing in the Reserves League with his long-time friends and new teammates.
Ironically, despite the 29 goal contributions this season, Oats admitted to not setting goals for himself because he feared he would disappoint himself. Instead, he exceeded everyone’s expectations, including his own, with his outstanding performances. He set the bar very high for the next season, undoubtedly.
For many young and upcoming footballers, the end goal is to go professional and play on bigger platforms, it is no different for the Diski Team starlet. In the next few years, Oats would like to see himself as a Mamelodi Sundowns First Team player, still making plenty of goal contributions.
“For next season, I would like to get minutes in the First Team and share the pitch with the many role models we have there. In the next few years, I would like to see myself go pro and play as a signed First Team player at Mamelodi Sundowns. Everyone wants to play for a successful Club like Mamelodi Sundowns, I am one of those people,” he concluded. This season brought a lot of lessons and experiences for the likeable forward. He looks forward to the next season and surpassing his expectations. His introduction to the DDC was laudable and we hope to see him achieve even greater things in the next season.