I carry Pirates' lessons with me

From the dusty grounds of Soweto where he first wore the colours of Orlando Pirates' development side, to being crowned Midfielder of the Season in Lesotho's Vodacom Premier League, Charlie Hlalele's football journey has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Rhodes, a small village in the Eastern Cape, Hlalele has travelled a path filled with challenges and breakthroughs, carving out a reputation as one of the most consistent performers across the border with Matlama FC. Now, with rumours of a return to the Betway Premiership swirling, Hlalele reflects on his standout season, his lessons from Pirates' academy days, the challenges of playing in Lesotho, and his burning desire to showcase his talent once again in South Africa's top-flight. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Hlalele opens up about his football resilience and unfinished business in the PSL.

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Masebe Qina: Charlie, congratulations on being crowned Vodacom Premier League Midfielder of the Season. How did it feel to receive that recognition after such a standout campaign with Matlama FC?

Charlie Hlalele: Thank you, bhut’omkhulu (big brother), and thank you to Soccer Laduma for reaching out even though I’m playing outside South Africa. That really means a lot to me and my family. Being named Midfielder of the Season in Lesotho was a very emotional moment. On the one hand, I felt proud and grateful because it was proof that imisebenzi iyabonakala (hard work gets noticed). On the other hand, I also had mixed emotions because I narrowly missed out on the Player of the Season award, which I had also been nominated for. But overall, it was a huge honour. It reminded me that every sacrifice, every extra session, every morning I pushed myself when nobody was watching, it all counted. I felt like my journey was validated.

MQ: What do you think contributed most to your form and consistency this past season?

CH: Honestly, it was all about discipline and routine. I don’t wait for the team schedule to dictate how much I work. Rain or sunshine, I train on my own, I hit the gym, and I constantly push myself. I've always believed that your body is your greatest investment as a footballer, and I put in the hours to stay strong and sharp. That made a big difference. I could feel it in matches - I was always one step ahead, physically stronger, and mentally prepared. It’s something I’ve done from the early days of my career, and last season it truly paid off. Consistency doesn’t come by chance; it’s built daily.

MQ: How has playing in Lesotho shaped or improved you as a player compared to your time in the DStv Premiership?