Mto: ‘I Was Ready For The Assessment At Pirates’

Chris Mto during the DStv Diski Challenge match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs

Former Mamelodi Sundowns prospect Chris Mto has revealed that he was recently presented with an opportunity to train with Orlando Pirates’ development side, formerly known as Pele Pele, but another setback with his knee ultimately brought home the reality that his body was no longer allowing him to pursue a career in football.

Mto, who recently announced his retirement from the game at just 21 due to persistent injury problems, had travelled to Gauteng earlier this month after an assessment with the Pirates development side had been arranged.

“Earlier this month, I was in Gauteng and it had been arranged for me to go for an assessment at Pele Pele. Everything was going well with my own training and in preparation for that, and I felt that I was ready for the assessment at Pirates,” Mto told Soccer Laduma.

“Then, on this other Monday after training, my knee just got swollen. It was so painful and I couldn’t walk. So, I had to go back home. That was one of the reasons I came to the realisation that this football thing wasn’t working for me, hence I decided to call it quits.”

The setback was particularly difficult for the Gqeberha-born player given that he had felt ready to take another step in his career and potentially earn an opportunity within the Pirates setup.

Instead, the latest injury became a defining moment in his decision to walk away from the game.

Mto opens up further about his difficult journey, his battle with injuries and the decision to retire in a full interview with Soccer Laduma in the latest edition, Issue 1488.

Get your copy of Soccer Laduma to read the full, emotional story behind his decision to call time on his football career.

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