Aphelele Teto Opens Up on Scotland Frustration and Loan to AmaTuks

Aphelele Teto has shared his experience of a challenging period in Scotland and his loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns to University of Pretoria, also known as AmaTuks.

The winger left TS Galaxy in 2023 for Scottish Premier League side Livingston on a four-year deal at just 20 years old. The move was seen as a major step in his career, but it quickly turned frustrating. Teto was unable to play a single match for Livingston due to work permit issues. His application was denied because he did not have enough national team appearances, leaving him sidelined for the 2023/24 season.

Livingston manager David Martingale had expressed willingness to wait, but with the work permit problem unresolved, Teto was loaned to Chippa United for the 2024/25 season. He was eventually released by Livingston in June 2025, becoming a free agent.

“It was a good experience, going to Scotland coming from South Africa. I got a warm welcome there. When I came back, it was the thing of the work permit. You have to play certain games in the national team. I didn’t have those games. It was ups and downs. The permit just bumped and then I had to come back to Chippa,” Teto told Soccer Laduma.

He admitted he had little knowledge about the work permit requirements, which added to his frustration. “I didn’t know anything. I was so frustrated. I couldn’t play, but they said I could stay and train and get the experience. I stayed for a season and I didn’t play. I felt that I was important.”

During his time in Europe, Teto trained with a team in Georgia after a stint in Turkey but suffered an injury that prevented a move. He then returned to Chippa United on loan.

After his release from Livingston, Mamelodi Sundowns signed Teto ahead of the 2025/26 season, immediately sending him on loan to AmaTuks in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Teto described the move as an opportunity he could not refuse. “Everyone wants to be at Sundowns, so I couldn’t deny the opportunity, even though I am on loan now,” he said.

The first half of the season with AmaTuks has been mixed, with three wins, eight draws, and three losses, placing them 12th on the table. Teto highlighted the physicality and fast pace of the league compared to the PSL. “You just have to run and look for goals. It’s difficult because all the teams defend. We learned from our draws and losses, and the second half of the season will be crucial,” he noted.

AmaTuks face log leaders Milford FC at home on Saturday, aiming to start 2026 strongly and push for promotion. Teto’s journey reflects resilience and determination, showing his readiness to make an impact in South African football after a difficult European stint.