Katlego Maake made his professional debut for TS Galaxy in the PSL.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Bolobedu village of Ga-Mokgwathi is beaming with pride after young footballer Katlego Maake made his Premier Soccer League debut for TS Galaxy in their goalless draw against Golden Arrows on May 23, 2026.
Although the match ended 0-0, the occasion marked a major milestone for the talented youngster, who now joins the growing list of footballers from Bolobedu making their mark in South African professional football.
The debut has also sparked excitement among football legends from the area, including former PSL promotional and international defender Andrew Rabutla, who comes from the same village. Rabutla, who captained Bafana Bafana during his playing days and represented Jomo Cosmos professionally before moving overseas, could not hide his joy after seeing another player from Ga-Mokgwathi rise to the highest level of local football.
Rabutla also played for PAOK FC in the Greek Super League after joining the club in 1997, becoming one of the few footballers from the area to compete in European football.
“You can’t explain the feeling. I am excited. There is still a lot from that side,” said Rabutla.
“I am feeling proud that we are having young players from our hometown. I will follow his progress. He is not alone, we are behind him. There are still more from our place who are talented.”
Rabutla’s words carry weight, considering his own journey from the dusty fields of Bolobedu to captaining Bafana Bafana and competing professionally both locally and abroad. His success paved the way for many young footballers from the region to believe that reaching the PSL and even overseas football is possible.
Katlego Maake now follows in the footsteps of players such as Stanley Kgatla, another football product from Bolobedu who also enjoyed success in professional football.
For many residents in Ga-Mokgwathi, Maake’s debut represents more than just one player’s achievement. It is seen as proof that rural talent can compete with the best in the country when given an opportunity.
Local football supporters have already begun rallying behind the young player, hoping his debut will be the beginning of a long and successful career at TS Galaxy.
With experienced figures like Andrew Rabutla publicly backing him, Maake carries not only the hopes of his club but also the dreams of a proud football-loving community that continues to produce talent despite limited resources.
Former Bafana Bafana captain and Greek Super League side Paok FC defender Andrew Raputla says he is proud of Katlego’s progress in the PSL.