This fall, graduate forward Pumi Maphumulo burst onto the scene of the men’s soccer team. Maphumulo, an integrated marketing major from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, scored the first goal of the season for the Lasers and cashed in three goals during the team’s first win against Mitchell College.
In 2019, Maphumulo came to the U.S. and attended Illinois Valley Community College. After completing two years there, he transferred to the University of Central Arkansas and received his bachelor’s degree in 2023.
His drive to play soccer has been strong since he was a kid, with the goal of one day playing professionally. Maphumulo says he will continue to strive for this goal until he can’t anymore, and has a plan if things don’t work out.
“I’d love to be a sports journalist who gets to travel the world, sharing my love and passion for sports,” Maphumulo said.
Graduate forward Pumi Maphumulo, originally from South Africa, joined the Lasers for the 2024 season.
Photo credit: Lasell Athletics
Maphumulo says that his greatest inspiration is Lionel Messi, calling him a “phenomenon” and “impossible to imitate.” He also says that Messi plays the game “the right way,” and entertains the crowd in ways that he wants to do as well.
“I try my best to entertain people when they come to watch and give them something to remember,” Maphumulo said. “My journey at Lasell is coming to an end, but I hope I gave the people some fond memories that they will remember number 22 for,” he said.
When asked about his favorite thing about Lasell, Maphumulo picked his teammates, stating that he’s formed a great bond with his fellow players in such a short amount of time.
“Everyone I’ve met has been incredible. I wish them all the best,” Maphumulo said.
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