Thabiso Kutumela Biography
Thabiso Kutumela: In South African football, stories of determination often emerge from small towns, where young boys chase dreams with little more than passion and raw talent. Thabiso Simon Kutumela is one such story, a forward whose journey from the humble streets of Mokopane to the national stage is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and an unrelenting belief in his abilities.
Date of Birth
Born on 1 July 1993, Kutumela has carved a name for himself as a versatile attacker, capable of playing as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. Over the years, he has worn the jerseys of several prominent South African clubs, represented his country at the Olympic Games, and lifted silverware with the continent’s most dominant teams. His story is not just about goals and trophies, it’s about growth, resilience, and seizing every opportunity.
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Early Life and Education
Public information about Kutumela’s early education is limited, but his birthplace, Mokopane in Limpopo Province, is known for producing hardworking, disciplined athletes. Growing up in a region where football is deeply woven into the community, Kutumela honed his skills on dusty pitches before entering the competitive football scene.
His rise was not sudden. It was built season by season, match by match, in the lower divisions, where physicality and determination are often as important as skill. The young attacker learned quickly that talent alone wasn’t enough; discipline and adaptability would be just as critical.
Club Career Journey
Baroka FC (2014 to 2016)
Kutumela’s professional breakthrough came with Baroka FC in the National First Division (NFD). Across 77 matches, he netted 28 goals, quickly becoming the team’s attacking focal point. His most memorable season came in 2015 to 2016, when his goals helped Baroka win the National First Division title and secure promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). His performances caught the attention of top flight scouts, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Orlando Pirates (2016 to 2018)
In 2016, Kutumela signed for one of South Africa’s most prestigious clubs, Orlando Pirates. Although his time at the Buccaneers was challenging in terms of game time, he still made 24 league appearances, scoring three goals. Playing alongside seasoned stars sharpened his game awareness, even if the fierce competition for starting spots meant limited minutes.
Maritzburg United (2019 to 2021)
Seeking regular football, Kutumela made the bold move to Maritzburg United. Here, he rediscovered his form, scoring 20 goals in 61 appearances. The 2020 to 2021 PSL season was particularly outstanding; his 12 goals saw him finish third in the league’s top scorers list. This period was widely regarded as the peak of his personal performance, combining clinical finishing with creative link up play.
Mamelodi Sundowns (2021 to 2024)
Kutumela’s consistency earned him a transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, a club dominating South African football. While his personal numbers were modest (3 goals in 23 appearances), he added multiple trophies to his name, including:
Premier Soccer League: 2020 to 2021 Nedbank Cup: 2021 to 2022 MTN 8: 2021
His time at Sundowns was defined by team success, tactical flexibility, and the experience of competing at the highest domestic and continental levels.
Cape Town City (Loan, 2023 to 2024)
In search of more minutes, Kutumela joined Cape Town City on loan, making 26 appearances and scoring three goals. His adaptability in attack allowed him to play multiple roles, further proving his value as a team player.
Richards Bay (2024 to Present)
In 2024, Kutumela signed with Richards Bay FC. By the start of 2025, he had already made 11 league appearances and scored once. While the numbers may not reflect his full impact, his leadership and experience have made him a key figure in the dressing room.
International Career
Kutumela made his Bafana Bafana debut at the 2016 COSAFA Cup and later that year represented South Africa at the Rio Olympics, a milestone for any player. As of March 2024, he had 9 senior caps and 2 goals for the national team.
His versatility and work rate have seen him called up in various tournaments, including the CAF African Nations Championship, where he delivered a standout Man of the Match performance against Guinea in 2025, scoring once and assisting another in a crucial win.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kutumela is best known for his versatility. While naturally a centre forward, he can operate effectively as a winger or attacking midfielder. His game is built on:
Sharp movement off the ball Composure in front of goal Creativity in linking play Work rate in pressing situations
Even in games where he doesn’t score, Kutumela’s off ball runs and link up play create space and opportunities for his teammates.
Achievements and Honors
Club
Baroka FC National First Division: 2015 to 2016 Mamelodi Sundowns PSL: 2020 to 2021 Nedbank Cup: 2021 to 2022 MTN 8: 2021
Individual
3rd Highest Goal Scorer in PSL 2020 to 2021 (12 goals) Man of the Match, South Africa vs Guinea, CAF African Nations Championship 2025
Net Worth and Market Value
As of 2024 to 2025, Kutumela’s market value was estimated between €200,000 and €300,000, down from his peak of €600,000 in 2022. His net worth figures vary, with some sources placing it around $100,000 and others claiming it could be as high as $2 million, factoring in endorsements, contracts, and personal investments.
Reports suggest a monthly salary in the range of R250,000 to R350,000, along with ownership of multiple vehicles. However, these numbers remain speculative due to a lack of confirmed public disclosures.
Personal Life
Despite his public career, Kutumela keeps his private life away from the spotlight. As of recent reports, he is unmarried and has not made details about relationships or family publicly known. Friends and teammates often describe him as humble, hardworking, and focused on his football career.
Legacy and Outlook
Thabiso Kutumela’s journey is one of steady growth rather than overnight stardom. From the NFD with Baroka to international appearances and silverware with Sundowns, his career illustrates the value of persistence, adaptability, and team contribution.
As he continues with Richards Bay and remains in contention for national team call ups, Kutumela’s experience and professionalism position him as both a mentor to younger players and a reliable attacking option for any coach.
