It turns out that many South African ballers are sneakerheads, and former Orlando Pirates star Mahlatse Makudubela is one of those enthusiasts, as we look at his incredible footwear collection.
Makudubela is a well-traveled star, as he has represented several sides in the Premier Soccer League, including Golden Arrows, Orlando Pirates, Platinum Stars, Chippa United, and more recently, Highlands Park.
He recently sat down to Ballgame SA to reveal his colourful sneaker collection, which was nothing short of impressive. The former Mamelodi Sundowns Reserves winger boasts all kinds of brands, such as Jordan, PUMA, Nike, adidas, and New Balance amongst others.
Mahlatse pointed out that comfortability is one of his main features when he is shopping for shoes, and he owns several pairs of Jordans, including Air Jordan 1s, 3s, and 6s.
Avid sneakerheads are usually drawn to the Jordan brand, and that seems to be more apparent now, given the strong Amapiano wave in South Africa, where the trend of rocking Js is becoming increasingly popular.
Athletes, particularly footballers, are never too far from the influences of pop culture, and it is due to this reason that we see footballers rocking the same kind of style as artists and musicians.
Also, sports and the entertainment industry are closely aligned, and reputable brands such as Nike and adidas have ambassadors who are not just athletes, but celebrities as well, and that further highlights the correlation between footballers and pop culture.
Makudubela says his favourite sneakers are the Air Force 1s, and over the last decade, the Air Force range has gained much-deserved appreciation from not just prominent people, but from ordinary South Africans, because how many of us can honestly say they do not know anyone who has an Air Force 1 in their life?
Did you know?
In 2019, Makudubela signed for Georgian second-tier club FC Gagra, alongside Jabulani Shongwe, and unfortunately due to the COVID-19 outbreak, he was released from his contract after just one game into the league season.
Your thoughts, please?
Which of Makudubela's sneakers would you take if you were to pick one?