Former Botswana international footballer Tshepiso ‘Sox’ Molwantwa’s has set eyes on scoring big in the political field as he trades his goal scoring boots for politics.
The Makwate born former national team talisman will be contesting for a council seat in Mahalapye East in the Makwate, Shakwe and Taupye ward with a Botswana National Front (BNF) ticket under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) at the upcoming 2019 General Elections.
The 40 year old Molwantwa believes his home village is impoverished and he is the likely candidate to turn things around. He said despite lack of interest prior to the commitment, villagers have pushed for his standing at next year’s general elections.
“It was a tough decision to make but I can confirm that I will be standing for a council seat in Mahalapye East. Honestly there is a lot that needs to be changed and with massive support from the area elders and youth at large we are hoping to prevail given the opportunity,” Molwantwa told Sunday Standard.
He said after working hard for the nation as a footballer, now is the time to put more energy on matters that would change lives of many in his home village and country at large.
“I have done a lot for this country as a footballer and believe I can work harder for our community. I am standing for a ward that I believe is lagging behind in terms of development and it is up to us to stand and make changes for the people,” said Molwantwa.
He said he is willing to advocate for factors that could improve livelihoods for many such as sports and address issues of unemployment in his area. “There is a lot of talent that is wasted due ignorance that I intend to tackle. Sports change lives and I believe there are also avenues that we could look into to address poverty in our villages,” Molwantwa told Sunday Standard.
Molwantwa became a household name during his football career plying his trade for local giants Township Rollers, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Notwane. It was during his time with Rollers when Molwantwa pulled the strings emerging the best striker in the country netting an avalanche of goals for both his club and the national team. Pundits consider Molwantwa as one of the best strikers to emerge from the local scenes. The Makwate born striker had a stint in the South African National First Division (NFD) league.
