Pule Mmodi (born 23 February 1993) is a South African soccer player who plays as a winger for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Pule Sydney Mmodi | ||
| Date of birth | 23 February 1993 | ||
| Place of birth | Theunissen, South Africa | ||
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder/winger | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Kaizer Chiefs | ||
| Number | 13 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2018–2020 | Uthongathi | 57 | (7) |
| 2020–2023 | Lamontville Golden Arrows | 55 | (16) |
| 2023– | Kaizer Chiefs | 26 | (4) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2022– | South Africa | 3 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 30 June 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 31 March 2024 | |||
He signed for Uthongathi in 2018 as a part of a large influx of new players.[2] While he played for Uthongathi, it was reported that Doctor Khumalo scouted him for Kaizer Chiefs.[3] He was instead picked up by Lamontville Golden Arrows for the belated start of the 2020-21 South African Premier Division. The club described him as a "very tricky, quick and skillful attacking midfielder".[4]
Mmodi's first callup to the South African national team was hampered by his not having a passport, as he had never imagined he would travel outside South Africa.[5] He later received more call-ups, and played two friendly matches in 2022 and one in 2023.[6][7] Making his first-tier debut at the age of 27 and impressing in 2021–22, he was also called a "late bloomer".[8]
In September 2022, before the closing of the summer transfer window, Mmodi was nearing a transfer to Kaizer Chiefs. It fell through because Chiefs would not meet the Arrows' asking price.[9][10] The Arrows' manager commented him for remaining dedicated to the club.[11]
However, Mmodi's contract would expire in the summer of 2023. AmaZulu voiced their interest in the player.[12] Rumours ensued about a swap deal with Kaizer Chiefs during the winter transfer window.[13] The transfer to Kaizer Chiefs finally took place in the summer of 2023. Mmodi attracted attention for changing his player agent on the same day his contract with Golden Arrows had expired and he signed for Kaizer Chiefs.[14][15]
In his home debut, he also scored his first goal. [16]
References
edit- ^ Pule Mmodi at Soccerway
- ^ Sithole, Andile (9 August 2018). "Uthongathi FC signs new players". News 24. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Uthongathi star attracts Chiefs interest". The Citizen. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Ngcatshe, Phumzile (3 October 2020). "Motsepe: Golden Arrows announce signing of former Highlands Park defender". Goal. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Motshwane, Gomolemo (3 October 2021). "Pule Mmodi: 'I will make sure I have a passport'". City Press. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Pule Mmodi at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ Delport, Rob (15 September 2022). "New Faces In The Bafana Squad". iDiski Times. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Kohler, Lorenz (20 March 2022). "Seema Warns More To Come From Mmodi". iDiski Times. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Chiefs get first option on Mmodi". SABC Sport. 26 June 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Madlala, Robin-Duke (18 September 2022). "Mmodi Opens Up On Failed Chiefs Move". iDiski Times. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Kganyago, Lethabo (30 July 2023). "Arrows Coach Addresses Mmodi's Chiefs Transfer". iDiski Times. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Madlala, Robin-Duke (17 December 2022). "Mmodi Wanted By AmaZulu". iDiski Times. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Makonco, Sinethemba (4 January 2023). "Pirates To Hijack Mmodi Deal?". iDiski Times. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Khoza, Neville (28 June 2023). "Mmodi bypasses agent, signs for Chiefs". Business Live. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Willis, Seth. "Agent threatens to sue Kaizer Chiefs new boy Mmodi after 'taking him for a fool' in new deal". 7 July 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Kohler, Lorenz (26 August 2023). "Ntseki Hails Mmodi Quality After AmaZulu Display". iDiski Times. Retrieved 27 March 2024.