After spending five years in the wilderness due to a career-threatening injury, shot-stopper Kagiso Tshelametse has resurfaced. While he was almost a forgotten man within football circles, Tshelametse signed with newly-promoted Premier League side, Motlakase, at the beginning of the campaign.
Tshelametse’s career took a knock when he suffered torn ligaments in his knee while playing for Notwane against Nico United in Selebi-Phikwe five years ago. At the time, it seemed his career was over. He has since recovered and he is looking forward to helping Motlakase to sustain their place in the country’s elite league.
“I’m happy to be back after so many years without playing football. I think I have recovered fully and I want to contribute for a few years before retiring. I’ve always been confident that I would play again even when I was on the sidelines. Goalkeeping is something which I’m passionate about and I’ve no doubt that my experience will come handy,” he said from his base in Palapye.
Tshelametse said he settled for Motlakase because they are an ambitious club though they are considered as a small club. He praised the players and management of the team for the warm reception they have given him.
“I have no doubt that very soon I’ll be playing again. Unlike at other sides, I believe that here I’ll be given a chance to play. I’m not in a rush to play but when I’m given a chance, I’ll do my best,” he said.
Though Motlakase have made a slow start to the season getting a point from their opening two fixtures against BMC and BR Highlanders, Tshelametse is confident that very soon, they will turn the corner.
“We could have done better in those games but we let ourselves down. At this stage, we’re not worried and we’re not even thinking about relegation though most people believe that we’ll be relegated,” he said.
While nursing the injury, Tshelametse attended a goalkeeper coaching course which was organized by Botswana Football Association (BFA). He has attained Level C certificate and he believes that the certificate will come handy once he has decided to retire from active football.
“I must thank (Sonnyboy) Sethibe (BFA technical director) for encouraging me to be part of that course. I’ll be able to produce aspiring goalkeepers once I’m done with playing,” he continued.
Tshelametse pointed out that goalkeeping is a very important department and it needs to be taken seriously. He pointed out that Premier League clubs need to have trained goalkeeper coaches. Tshelametse has been capped several times with the national team and has played for FC Satmos.
