When he left the then relegated Premier League side Killer Giants for greener pastures at the Copper Nickel mining town of Selebi-Phikwe in 2010, speedy winger Topo Piet was an unknown player to many football lovers.
At the time when they landed him, Nico United knew that they had signed one of the best wingers to come out of this country in recent times. Despite being an important member in the Majombolo line-up for the past two seasons, it is only now that most people are starting to take notice of his immense talent.
While some people argue that he deserves the player of the season award because of his consistency this season, Piet does not want to think about personal glory at this stage. What is important for him is to help Nico United push title contenders Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Gaborone United, ECCO City Greens and BDF XI till the end.
“I would not like to think about personal awards at this time. What is important for me is to help my team win the league. That would be my biggest achievement,” said the Ranaka-born star.
Under the tutelage of Elijah Chikwanda, Majombolo have been playing an entertaining piece of football and it does not come as a surprise that they are pushing the big boys of the league at the top.
“The coach (Chikwanda) has done a marvelous job and we’re playing as a unit. He has instilled that belief in us and our aim is to win the remaining games and we’ll take it from there,” said Piet.
After their game against Uniao Flamengo Santos, which was played in Molepolole yesterday, Majombolo are left with six games before concluding their season. While many people doubt Majombolo’s mental strength considering that they have faltered in the past, Piet cautioned that this time around they are in business.
On his personal performance, Piet said that he has improved a lot because of the extra training he does on his own. Piet spent half of last season out injured but he has put that behind.
“It was a frustrating period for me but I’m glad that I’ve been able to perform without any hiccups this season. I’m glad that an extra effort which I have been putting has paid dividends. The other thing is that I’ve been my main critic this season,” said Piet. The nippy midfielder has dismissed rumours coming out of Selebi-Phikwe that he is considering a move to one of the big giants in Gaborone next season.
“I’m happy at Nico United because they’ve been good to me over the past seasons. I’m enjoying my football here and it will not make sense for me to think about leaving,” he said. Piet’s contract with Majombolo comes to an end in June 2014 but there are speculations that Gaborone United and Township Rollers are interested in his services. Though the two Gaborone giants have not made contact with the club or player, information reaching Sunday Standard indicate that in June there will be something. On donning the national team jersey, Piet believes that he still has time on his side. At the age of 25, he believes that the future still looks bright.
“I have no doubt that the coach (Stanley Tshosane) is watching me and when the time comes he will call me. I’m under no pressure and I’ll continue extending my support to all the players who get called up for national service,” concluded Piet who has scored 11 goals this season. He missed yesterday’s game against Santos due to a one-match ban.
