KickAIMatches
Thabo Matlaba
Lamontville Golden Arrows

Thabo Matlaba

Defender at Lamontville Golden Arrows

🌍 ZADefender#28🎂 38 years📏 163cm👟 Both

Current Team: Lamontville Golden Arrows

Market Value
€0.0M
SofaScore Rating
6.67

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Thabo Matlaba Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26South African Premier Division4006.67
24/25South African Premier Division16106.69
23/24South African Premier Division27226.88
22/23South African Premier Division22106.64
21/22South African Premier Division2910-
20/21South African Premier Division2100-
19/20South African Premier Division2210-
18/19South African Premier Division700-
17/18South African Premier Division-00-
2015Africa Cup of Nations-00-
📅 Last updated: January 15, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 11 seasons, 2 competitions
6
Career Goals
2
Career Assists
148
Total Apps
136
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Lamontville Golden Arrows

Full Squad →
Alwande Booysen
Alwande Booysen
F
Sede Junior Dion
Sede Junior Dion
F
Moyela Libamba
Moyela Libamba
F
Siyanda Ndlovu
Siyanda Ndlovu
F
Philani Kumalo
Philani Kumalo
F
Jerome Karelse
Jerome Karelse
F
Angelo Van Rooi
Angelo Van Rooi
F
Lungelo Nguse
Lungelo Nguse
F
Lwanda Mbanjwa
Lwanda Mbanjwa
F

📊 Season Statistics

South African Premier Division 25/26
4 appearances
0
Goals
0
Assists
6.67
Rating
152
Minutes
1
Shots
0
Key Passes
5
Tackles
0
Interceptions

🏳️ International Career

South Africa|29 caps1 goals

📝 About Thabo Matlaba

Thabo Matlaba is a 38-year-old ZA professional footballer who plays as a defender. Currently representing Lamontville Golden Arrows, Thabo Matlaba stands at 163cm and is predominantly both-footed. With a market valuation of €45K, Thabo Matlaba represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.

Thabo Matlaba's professional career began at their academy. Over their career, Thabo Matlaba has made 6 transfers. The most recent move saw Thabo Matlaba join Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2025.

This season, Thabo Matlaba has contributed to the team in 4 appearances. Accumulating 152 minutes, averaging 38 per game.

On the international stage, Thabo Matlaba represents South Africa with 29 caps and 1 goals. International debut came in 2011.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Thabo Matlaba has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Thabo Matlaba's role as a defender at Lamontville Golden Arrows, examining their ZA playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Destroyer

Thabo Matlaba profiles as a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line. At 38, Thabo Matlaba brings invaluable experience and leadership.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-4-2 (in a back four)3-5-2 (as a center-back with freedom)

✅ Key Strengths

    ⚠️ Development Areas

    • No significant weaknesses identified

    **Playing Style**: Thabo Matlaba fits the profile of a modern Destroyer – a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line.

    ✨ What Makes Them Special

    Thabo Matlaba brings a well-rounded skill set to the defender role, contributing both on and off the ball.

    🔄 Career Turning Point

    The Defining Move: Thabo Matlaba's career trajectory changed in 2010 when their previous club agreed to let them join Free State Stars. Though not a high-profile transfer, this move proved pivotal for Thabo Matlaba's development. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

    🔮 Future Outlook

    Future Outlook: In the twilight of a career at 38, Thabo Matlaba's focus shifts to legacy. Whether mentoring young players, pursuing coaching badges, or seeking one final trophy, the next chapter awaits.

    📊 Premiership 25/26 Analysis

    In the current season, Thabo Matlaba has made 4 appearances in their competition. With an average rating of 6.67, Thabo Matlaba has been consistent. Accumulating 152 minutes, Thabo Matlaba averages 38 minutes per game.

    📊 Performance Statistics

    How Thabo Matlaba compares to league average this season

    📅 Appearances4
    0Avg: 1538
    ⭐ Average Rating6.7
    0Avg: 6.510
    ⏱️ Minutes Played152
    0Avg: 9003420

    Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

    🩺 Player Status & Availability

    Fitness Status

    Available

    No reported injuries

    📋Contract Status

    Under Contract

    Current club: Lamontville Golden Arrows

    🔄Transfer Rumors

    No Active Rumors

    Last updated: 1/15/2026

    📈Market Trend

    €0.0M

    SofaScore estimate

    💹 Career Value Trajectory

    Transfer fee history and market value trend

    2025
    Royal AM→Lamontville Golden Arrows
    -
    2022
    Moroka Swallows→Royal AM
    Unknown
    2020
    Black Leopards→No team
    Free
    2019
    Orlando Pirates→Black Leopards
    Free
    2012
    Free State Stars→Orlando Pirates
    Unknown
    2010
    M Tigers FC→Free State Stars
    Unknown

    💰 Transfer History

    6 transfers
    DateFromToFee
    4/17/2025Royal AMLamontville Golden Arrows-
    1/31/2022Moroka SwallowsRoyal AMUnknown
    10/3/2020Black LeopardsNo teamFree
    7/1/2019Orlando PiratesBlack LeopardsFree
    1/1/2012Free State StarsOrlando PiratesUnknown
    7/1/2010M Tigers FCFree State StarsUnknown

    📅 Career Progression & Journey

    Thabo Matlaba's professional football journey began at a local academy, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Thabo Matlaba developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

    The career path of Thabo Matlaba has taken them through 7 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer.

    Currently, Thabo Matlaba represents Lamontville Golden Arrows, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2025, Thabo Matlaba continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Thabo Matlaba into the player they are today.

    📈 Performance Analysis & Context

    When evaluating Thabo Matlaba's performance in context, their average rating of 6.67 positions them among solid contributors to their team. Averaging 38 minutes per appearance indicates a developing role within the team. For a defender at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Thabo Matlaba's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

    🔗 Related Content & Categories

    Explore more content related to Thabo Matlaba, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

    Lamontville Golden Arrows(Current club)ZA footballers(Players from ZA)Top defenders(Best players in this position)Royal AM(Former club)Moroka Swallows(Former club)Black Leopards(Former club)

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Thabo Matlaba

    What position does Thabo Matlaba play?▼
    Thabo Matlaba is a professional defender who currently plays for Lamontville Golden Arrows. As a defender, Thabo Matlaba is primarily responsible for defensive duties, aerial challenges, and building play from the back.
    How old is Thabo Matlaba?▼
    Thabo Matlaba is 38 years old, born on December 13, 1987. At 38, Thabo Matlaba is in the twilight of their career, contributing their wealth of experience.
    What team does Thabo Matlaba play for in 2026?▼
    Thabo Matlaba currently plays for Lamontville Golden Arrows. They joined the club in 2025.
    How tall is Thabo Matlaba?▼
    Thabo Matlaba stands at 163cm (5'4") tall. This height is requires compensation through positioning for a defender.
    What is Thabo Matlaba's market value in 2026?▼
    Thabo Matlaba's current estimated transfer market value is €45K according to professional football valuation metrics. Market values fluctuate based on form, age, and contract situation.
    What nationality is Thabo Matlaba?▼
    Thabo Matlaba is a ZA footballer. They represent the ZA national team with 29 international caps.
    What are Thabo Matlaba's career statistics?▼
    This season, Thabo Matlaba has made 4 appearances, scored 0 goals, and provided 0 assists. Their average match rating is 6.67.
    Where did Thabo Matlaba start their career?▼
    Thabo Matlaba's professional career began at a youth academy. Since then, they have made 6 career moves across various clubs.
    What is Thabo Matlaba's preferred foot?▼
    Thabo Matlaba is predominantly both-footed. This less common preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
    What are Thabo Matlaba's main strengths as a player?▼
    Detailed player attributes are being compiled.
    How many international caps does Thabo Matlaba have?▼
    Thabo Matlaba has earned 29 international caps for South Africa, scoring 1 goals at international level. Their international debut came in 2011.
    What was Thabo Matlaba's highest transfer fee?▼
    Thabo Matlaba has primarily moved on free transfers or loan deals throughout their career.
    What is Thabo Matlaba's current form like?▼
    Based on their average rating of 6.67 this season, Thabo Matlaba's current form can be described as consistent. in 4 appearances.
    What shirt number does Thabo Matlaba wear?▼
    Thabo Matlaba wears the number 28 shirt for Lamontville Golden Arrows. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
    What is Thabo Matlaba's playing style?▼
    As a defender, Thabo Matlaba brings versatility to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a dl.
    K

    ✓ KickAI Analysis Team

    Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

    Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

    📅 Last Updated:

    Verify data from official sources:

    📊 SofaScore💰 Transfermarkt📚 Wikipedia

    📋 Quick Facts

    Full Name
    Thabo Matlaba
    Nationality
    ZA
    Age
    38 years
    Height
    163 cm
    Position
    Defender
    Foot
    Both
    Shirt
    #28

    📅 Season Stats

    0
    Goals
    0
    Assists
    4
    Apps
    6.67
    Rating

    🔗 Explore