TOO LEGIT TO QUIT 
THAPELO MORENA'S 
MOTIVATIONAL WORKOUT PLAYLIST
© Sundowns MediaAuthor: Sijabulile NdlovuFor most athletes, listening to music is not just a nonessential exercise. Rather, it is an essential element for peak performance and a satisfying workout. While everyone has their own preference when it comes to music that will get their muscles pumping, there are a few qualities that most good workout songs have in common: a great beat, a quick tempo, and a catchy, energising chorus. The bass-boosted tracks are usually in the form of sugary pop bangers, as well as slick hip-hop hits. However, selecting the most effective workout music is not always as simple as queuing up a series of fast, high-energy songs.
For Mamelodi Sundowns' versatile defender, Thapelo Morena, the memories and emotions evoked by a song are what make it worthy of being featured on his playlist. According to Morena, who is affectionately known as ‘Thaps’ by his fellow teammates, the rhythm of a song is not always as important as the cadence of its lyrics.

"As someone who values motivational music, the message conveyed by lyrics is very important to me. Listening to uplifting music motivates me to keep going when I'm in the gym," said Thapelo.

The versatile player also shared that his workout music selection is primarily dependent on his mood. "When I'm happy, I listen to energising music from my favourite music genre – Kwaito. I listen to the likes of the iconic Trompies, Brown Dash, and Spikiri, among other Kwaito legends. When I'm feeling under the weather, I prefer soulful music from the Barorisi Ba Morena Gospel Choir. Their music grounds me spiritually and reminds me of my late parents," expressed Morena.

Teaming up with our Digital Magazine crew, Thaps curated a workout playlist with songs from five of his favourite musicians of all time.
© Sundowns MediaKelvin Momo Thaps' Favourite Momo Grooves
● Iy'nyembezi (featuring Babalwa M & Aymos)
● Sukakude (featuring Babalwa M &SfarzoRtee)
● Myekeleni (featuring Kopzz)
TrompiesThaps' Favourite Trompies Throwbacks
● Sweety Lavo (featuring OSKIDO & Copperhead)
● Magasman (featuring LeboMathosa)
● SigiyaNgengoma
Artwork SoundsThaps' Favourite Jams by Artwork Sounds
● Woza Moya (featuring Coco SA & Russell Zuma)
● Awesome God (featuring Bee Bar &Kabza De Small)
● Do 4 Luv (featuring Coco SA)
Senior OatThaps' Favourite Symphonies by Senior Oat
● S'khanyisele (featuring Sir Bless)
● All In You (featuring KemyChienda)
● Give Me Jesus (featuring Mzweshpar_sa)
Barorisi Ba Morena Gospel Choir Thaps' Favourite Melodies & Hymns by Barorisi Ba Morena Gospel Choir
● O MohauWaModimo
● Matla A Sona KeBophelo
● Dichaba
Speaking about the role that music plays in his performance at the gym, Thapelo Morena shared that it increases his energy. The Masandawana defender also revealed that listening to his motivational playlist carried him through rehabilitation during one of the most difficult injuries of his football career