Tiklas Thutlwa
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tiklas Ntshilo Thutlwa | ||
| Date of birth | 9 May 1999 | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Venda (on loan from Sekhukhune United) | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Black Leopards | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2020–2023 | Black Leopards | 74 | (26) |
| 2023– | Sekhukhune United | 7 | (0) |
| 2024– | → Venda (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20 March 2024 | |||
Tiklas Thutlwa (born 9 May 1999) is a South African soccer player who plays as a forward for Sekhukhune United in the Premier Soccer League.
Career
[edit]Thutlwa made his debut in the 2019-20 South African Premier Division on 16 August 2020. He first came into the spotlight when scoring both goals in a 2–1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in May 2021. Nonetheless, his club Black Leopards were relegated in 2021.[1][2] The Sowetan called him "one of the few players who deserved to remain in the top-flight".[3] Thutlwa subsequently became the top goalscorer of the 2021-22 National First Division with 16 goals. After that he desired a move to the first tier again.[4]
Such a move did not materialize, but after the Black Leopards were relegated from the 2022-23 National First Division, Thutlwa became a free agent. He was wanted by Sekhukhune United, and the move went through in July 2023 among over half a dozen other new signings.[5][6]
In March 2023, he collapsed on the field during a match, but his condition was not critical.[7]
Thutlwa was loaned out to Venda F.C. in January 2024, after less than one season at Sekhukhune United.[8] After only a few days, he broke his leg during a friendly match. He was promptly sent to a public hospital, where he claimed he remained untreated, and that he was surprised the club did not arrange for a stay in a private hospital. Said Thutlwa, "I don’t know why I’m here. I’m surprised because I want to get back to the field and this is delaying me".[9]
International career
[edit]Thutlwa was a part of South Africa's squad for the 2021 COSAFA Cup,[10] albeit without playing.
He was named in the preliminary squad for the 2023 COSAFA Cup,[11] and again made the final squad.
Personal life
[edit]He is nicknamed "Castro".[5][12]
References
[edit]- ^ Tiklas Thutlwa at Soccerway
- ^ Adams, Zaahier (26 May 2021). "Thutlwa is Kaizer Chiefs' slayer as Black Leopards fight off relegation". IOL. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Ndebele, Sihle (23 September 2021). "Thutlwa settles to life in NFD after he got no offers". The Sowetan. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Tsotsi, Athenkosi (31 May 2022). "Thutlwa ready to bang in the goals in the big league". The Sowetan. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Sekhukhune Linked With Striker Tiklas Thutlwa". Soccer Laduma. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (4 July 2023). "Sekhukhune United make eighth signing". Soccer News 24. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (18 March 2023). "PSL player collapses on the field". FAR Post. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Rabothe, Tshepo (17 January 2024). "Sekhukhune United loan out highly-rated attacker". FAR Post. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ Khoza, Neville (26 January 2024). "Injured Thutlwa cries for help as he's stuck in public hospital". The Sowetan. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD ANNOUNCED". Ink Sport. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Gibbs, Herman (25 June 2023). "Bright local talent called up to Bafana COSAFA squad". DFA. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ "Leopards' striker, Tiklas Thutlwa, crowned as top goal scorer". Zoutnet. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2023.