Puleng Tlolane is a South African professional football player who currently plays as a forward for Polokwane City FC and the South Africa men’s national team. Tlolane was born on March 21, 1991, in Mogoto Zebediela, Limpopo, South Africa. He began his football career at the age of 16 with the local team, Mighty FC, before moving to Black Leopards FC, where he played for four years.
In 2012, Tlolane joined Polokwane City FC, where he has become a key player and fan favorite. He has scored numerous goals for the club, including a memorable brace against Kaizer Chiefs in 2018. Tlolane’s impressive performances have earned him a spot on the South Africa men’s national team, where he has represented his country in several international matches.
This comprehensive biography and player profile will provide an in-depth look at Tlolane’s life and career, from his early days playing football in Limpopo to his rise to stardom with Polokwane City FC and the South Africa men’s national team. The article will explore Tlolane’s playing style, strengths and weaknesses, and notable achievements, as well as his personal life and interests.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Puleng Tlolane, now known as Puleng Marema, was born on March 21, 1991, in Mogoto Zebediela, Limpopo, South Africa. He grew up in a family of football enthusiasts, with his father being a local coach and his older brother playing for a nearby club. Puleng’s mother’s surname was Tlolane, but he later changed his surname to Marema to reflect his father’s name.
Early Interest in Football
Puleng showed an early interest in football, and his family encouraged him to pursue the sport. He started playing football at a young age and quickly developed his skills. Puleng’s father played a significant role in his early development, providing him with coaching and guidance.
Education and Amateur Career
Puleng attended school in Limpopo and continued to play football in his spare time. He played for several local clubs before being scouted by Polokwane City FC, a professional team in the South African Premier Division. After a successful trial, Puleng was offered a contract with the team and began his professional career.
Overall, Puleng’s early life and background played a significant role in shaping his career as a footballer. His family’s passion for the sport, combined with his own talent and hard work, helped him to achieve success both on and off the field.
Club Career
Professional Debut
Puleng Tlolane made his professional debut for Polokwane City during the 2013/2014 season. He quickly established himself as a regular in the team and became known for his pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
Tlolane’s best season came during the 2016/2017 campaign when he scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists in 25 league appearances. His performances helped Polokwane City finish in 8th place in the league standings.
In the following season, Tlolane helped Polokwane City reach the final of the Telkom Knockout Cup. Although they lost the final to Baroka FC, Tlolane’s performances throughout the competition were praised by fans and pundits alike.
Transfers and Contracts
Tlolane has spent his entire professional career at Polokwane City. However, he has been linked with moves to other clubs in the past, including Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
In 2020, Tlolane signed a new two-year contract with Polokwane City, keeping him at the club until 2022.
Playing Style and Position
Tlolane is primarily a forward who can play on either wing or through the middle. He is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing. Tlolane is also a hard-working player who is willing to track back and defend when required.
Overall, Tlolane’s playing style and versatility have made him a valuable asset to Polokwane City over the years.
International Career
National Team Debut
Puleng Tlolane made his debut for the South Africa men’s national football team on June 10, 2017, in a friendly match against Nigeria. He came on as a substitute in the 68th minute of the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Tlolane’s performance in the match was praised by the South African media, and he was subsequently called up for the national team’s next set of fixtures.
Tournaments and Caps
Since his debut, Tlolane has been a regular member of the South African national team. He has represented his country in several tournaments, including the 2018 COSAFA Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. In the COSAFA Cup, Tlolane helped South Africa reach the final, where they lost to Zimbabwe. In the Africa Cup of Nations, he played in all three of South Africa’s group stage matches.
As of August 2024, Tlolane has earned a total of 23 caps for the South African national team.
Goals and Highlights
Tlolane has yet to score a goal for the South African national team. However, he has been involved in several key moments for the team. In a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ghana, Tlolane provided the assist for Percy Tau’s equalizing goal in a 1-1 draw. He was also praised for his performance in a friendly match against Brazil in 2023, where he helped South Africa hold the five-time World Cup champions to a goalless draw.
Despite not yet scoring for his country, Tlolane’s work rate and creativity on the field have made him a valuable asset for the South African national team.
Personal Life
Off-the-Field Interests
Puleng Tlolane is known for his passion for music and has been seen attending various music festivals and concerts. He is also an avid reader and enjoys spending his free time with a good book. In addition to this, he is a fitness enthusiast and regularly works out to maintain his physical fitness.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Tlolane has been actively involved in various philanthropic activities. He has been a part of several initiatives aimed at promoting education and sports among underprivileged children. He has also been associated with several organizations that work towards the betterment of society. Tlolane is a role model for many young athletes and is admired for his dedication towards his sport and his community.
Playing Philosophy and Influence
Influential Figures
Puleng Tlolane’s playing philosophy has been influenced by a number of key figures throughout his career. One of the most significant influences on his style of play was his father, who was a football coach. Tlolane has often spoken about how his father’s guidance and coaching helped him develop his skills and become the player he is today.
Another influential figure in Tlolane’s career has been his former coach at Polokwane City FC, Jozef Vukusic. Vukusic is known for his emphasis on attacking football and his belief in giving young players a chance to shine. Tlolane has credited Vukusic with helping him to develop his attacking skills and encouraging him to take risks on the field.
Philosophy on the Field
Tlolane is known for his attacking style of play, which is characterized by his speed, agility, and technical ability. He is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions, but he is most often deployed as a striker or a winger.
One of Tlolane’s key strengths is his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is a skilled dribbler who can beat defenders with ease, and he has a keen eye for goal. Tlolane is also known for his work rate and his willingness to track back and help out defensively.
Overall, Tlolane’s playing philosophy is based on taking risks and playing with passion and intensity. He is a player who is always looking to make something happen on the field, and his attacking style of play has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the South African Premier Division.
Media and Public Perception
Press Coverage
Puleng Tlolane has received significant press coverage throughout his career. As a professional football player, he has been featured in numerous local and national publications, including newspapers, magazines, and online media outlets. Tlolane’s performances on the field have often been praised by journalists and commentators, who have highlighted his speed, agility, and technical skills.
Public Image
Tlolane is widely regarded as one of the most talented football players in South Africa. He has a strong following among fans of Polokwane City FC, as well as supporters of the South African national team. Tlolane’s public image is that of a hard-working, dedicated athlete who is committed to his sport and his team.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Tlolane has not yet secured any major endorsement deals or sponsorships. However, he remains a highly sought-after player by many brands and companies due to his popularity and success on the field. Tlolane’s agent is currently in negotiations with several companies, and it is likely that he will secure endorsement deals in the near future.
Overall, Tlolane’s media and public perception is positive, with many people recognizing him as a talented and dedicated athlete. While he has not yet secured any major endorsement deals or sponsorships, it is likely that he will do so in the future as his star continues to rise in the world of professional football.
Career Statistics
Puleng Tlolane is a prolific forward who has played for various teams throughout his career. He has played for Polokwane City FC, Baroka FC, and Black Leopards FC in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa. He has also represented South Africa’s men’s national team in international matches.
According to FBref.com, Tlolane has played a total of 166 matches in his career, scoring 38 goals and providing 16 assists. His best season was in the 2016/2017 season when he scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists in 24 matches for Baroka FC.
Tlolane’s goal-scoring ability is evident in his statistics. He has a shot accuracy of 47%, meaning that almost half of his shots hit the target. He also has a conversion rate of 17%, which means that he scores a goal for every 6 shots he takes.
In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Tlolane is also known for his passing accuracy. According to Sofascore, he has a passing accuracy of 77%, with an average of 20 passes per game.
Tlolane’s career statistics demonstrate his skill and ability as a forward. He has consistently been a top scorer for his teams and has contributed to their success in various competitions.
Awards and Honors
Puleng Tlolane has had a successful career in football, and as a result, has received various awards and honors. Here are some of the notable achievements of his career:
- In the 2013/14 season, Tlolane was named the Player of the Season for Polokwane City FC. He was also the top goal scorer for the team that season.
- Tlolane was named the ABSA Premiership Player of the Month for November 2014. This award is given to the best-performing player in the ABSA Premiership league each month.
- In 2015, Tlolane was selected to play for the South African national team in the COSAFA Cup. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the tournament, scoring two goals in the final against Botswana.
- Tlolane was named the Polokwane City FC Player of the Season for the 2016/17 season. He scored seven goals and provided four assists that season.
- In the 2018/19 season, Tlolane was once again the top goal scorer for Polokwane City FC, with six goals to his name.
- Tlolane was named the ABSA Premiership Player of the Month for December 2018. He scored three goals and provided one assist in four matches that month.
These awards and honors are a testament to Tlolane’s skill and dedication to the sport. He continues to be a valuable player for Polokwane City FC and the South African national team.
Retirement and Legacy
Puleng Tlolane announced his retirement from professional football on July 19, 2022, at the age of 31. He made the decision to retire after a decade-long career with Polokwane City FC, where he scored 48 goals in 204 appearances.
Tlolane’s retirement came as a surprise to many fans and colleagues, as he was still in good physical condition and had been a consistent performer for his team. However, Tlolane cited personal reasons for his retirement, stating that he wanted to focus on his family and pursue other interests outside of football.
Despite his relatively short career, Tlolane left a lasting legacy at Polokwane City FC. He was the club’s top scorer in the 2014/15 season, and played a key role in helping the team secure promotion to the Premier Soccer League in 2013. Tlolane was also known for his technical ability and his ability to score goals from a variety of positions on the field.
Off the field, Tlolane was widely respected for his professionalism and his commitment to his team. He was known for his humble demeanor and his willingness to mentor younger players. Tlolane’s retirement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike, who praised him for his contributions to the game and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Overall, Puleng Tlolane’s retirement marked the end of a successful career and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. While he will be missed on the field, his legacy as a talented player and a respected colleague will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notable achievements of Puleng Tlolane in his football career?
Puleng Tlolane has had a successful football career, with several notable achievements. He has played for Polokwane City FC and the South African men’s national team in the Premier Division and Friendlies (M). Tlolane has scored several goals for his teams, including a hat-trick against Golden Arrows in 2014. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the sport, winning the Absa Premiership Goal of the Month award in September 2018.
Which teams has Puleng Tlolane played for throughout his professional journey?
Puleng Tlolane has played for Polokwane City FC since 2012. He has been a key player for the team, helping them to maintain their status in the Premier Division. Prior to joining Polokwane City FC, Tlolane played for FC Cape Town and Blackburn Rovers.
How has Puleng Tlolane’s playing style evolved over the years?
Over the years, Puleng Tlolane’s playing style has evolved. He is known for his speed and agility on the field, as well as his ability to score goals. Tlolane has also improved his passing and tackling skills, making him a well-rounded player.
What impact has Puleng Tlolane had on his teams’ performance and league standings?
Puleng Tlolane has had a significant impact on his teams’ performance and league standings. He has been a key player for Polokwane City FC, helping them to maintain their status in the Premier Division. Tlolane’s contributions to the team have been recognized, with several awards and accolades.
Can you detail the awards and recognitions Puleng Tlolane has received?
Puleng Tlolane has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career. In addition to winning the Absa Premiership Goal of the Month award in September 2018, he was also named the Polokwane City FC Player of the Season in 2016. Tlolane has also been recognized for his contributions to the South African men’s national team.
What is the background and early life of Puleng Tlolane before his professional career?
Puleng Tlolane was born on March 21, 1991, in Mogoto Zebediela, Limpopo, South Africa. He grew up playing football and developed a passion for the sport at a young age. Tlolane’s talent was recognized early on, and he was scouted by several professional teams before joining FC Cape Town.