United States-based South African star Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng has revealed that he recently underwent eye surgery to improve a part of his game he felt was lacking.
Currently playing for FC Dallas, Ntsabeleng is one of three South Africans competing in the 2025 Major League Soccer season, alongside Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya.
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Of the Mzansi trio, Ntsabeleng has spent the most time in the US, having previously played college football there. He starred for Oregon State University, starting in 25 of the 31 matches for the university's senior men’s soccer team.
As a result of his performances, FC Dallas selected him in the MLS SuperDraft in January 2022, where he was the 28th overall pick.
Since joining the club, Ntsabeleng has made 84 appearances for FC Dallas, recording two goals and six assists from midfield, according to Transfermarkt.
Despite his progress, the former Kaizer Chiefs youth player admitted he wanted to elevate his game further but felt his vision was holding him back.
To address the issue, Ntsabeleng recently underwent an eye surgery procedure designed to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
In a video shared on the official Instagram account of Tylock-George Eye Care LASIK, Ntsabeleng spoke to his surgeon and explained:
"I started wearing glasses when I was in fourth grade. So, throughout my whole school and college career, I had to depend on those.
"But on the field, it was a lot more difficult for me to make longer passes, which was a part of my game that was missing a little bit.
"It was tough for me to see things that are far. I was like short-sighted.
"Surgery is pretty straightforward. I don't think there's anything they should be worried about.
"As long as they're in good hands, I think they'll get the best care. Surgery was pretty quick. I didn't expect it to be that quick.
"I mean, I was told it was going to be quick, but, you know, I anticipated it to be a little bit longer. But it was pretty quick and pain-free, which is obviously really good. So, yeah, it was great."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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