YELLOW
AT HEART
GETTING TO
KNOW 
SANDAWANA,
TSHIAMO
MALEBYE
MASANDAWANA SUPPORTER TSHIAMO MALEBYE SHARES HIS FONDEST MEMORIES OF BAFANA BA STYLEAuthor: Dumisani KoyanaPhotos: Sundowns MediaThe Yellow Nation’s unwavering support has been a principal source of confidence and motivation for Mamelodi Sundowns football players. Masandawana supporters’ rhythmic singing at the stadium has promoted a sense of pride that is felt both by the players, as well as the technical team.To show gratitude for the Yellow Nation’s continued support, the Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine crew had a chat with 21-year-old Tshiamo Malebye who is a staunch supporter of the club.
The Tourism Management Practice student shared how his admiration for where Bafana Ba Style began, as well as some of his fondest stadium memories.
Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine Crew:
When and why did you fall in love with Mamelodi Sundowns?
Tshiamo Malebye (TM): My late mother was the one who made me fall in love with Sundowns and introduced me to the team. She was a member of the Mamelodi East Branch. I was in primary school when my love for the club started growing. I used to watch the games on TV before I started attending at the stadium.
MSDM: What was the first Mamelodi Sundowns game you attended?
TM: I am not sure about the exact date, but I think it was around 2015. We were playing against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
MSDM: What is your fondest stadium memory?
TM: My favourite Sundowns memory was when we beat Orlando Pirates 6-0.
MSDM: Who is your favourite Sundowns player and why?
TM: Teboho Mokoena. He is a hardworking player and is essential in the midfield. He hasn’t been with Masandawana long but has already made an impact on the team. In some games he has been given the captain armband, which shows a lot about his character and his quality as a player and leader.
MSDM: Have you met any of the Sundowns players in person?
TM: Yes, I have met Rushine De Reuck, Tiyani Mabunda, Hlompho Kekana, as well as George Maluleka when he was with the team. It was awesome, I still have the pictures I took with them.
MSDM: What do you cherish most about being at the stadium?
TM: I enjoy the atmosphere that the Yellow Nation creates at the games. The best part is singing our lungs out from the time we get to the stadium. I’m certain we are the only team that does that in South Africa.
MSDM: If you could invite any player from the club (past or present) for lunch, who would it be?
TM: I would invite Hlompho Kekana because I look up to him and I am a huge fan. He was dedicated, humble and passionate which ultimately made him an amazing human being.
MSDM: Given a chance to select your starting eleven, who would be in your team?
TM: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Rushine De Reuck, Thapelo Morena, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Neo Maema, Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile and Abubbekar Nasir.
Tshiamo shared his love story for Mamelodi Sundowns and we got to know more about what makes him adore the club. We hope your passion for Masandawana will keep burning and that you keep supporting Bafana Ba Style. Ka Bo Yellow.