However, Elias has proven to be a good short stopper in his maiden season in the Premier League. This is despite the fact that he had a baptism of fire when Motlakase went down 4-2 to Nico United in their first Premier League outing. The technical team, then led by Bennedict Bayani, immediately dropped the gangly youngster from the first 11.

The incident put a bloat on his career but he is grateful that he has been offered a second chance by new coach, Madinda Ndlovu. "I was nervous during that game (against Nico). Thereafter, I was dropped even though I was not told why I was being left out," Elias says. Ndlovu threw Elias a lifeline after taking charge and says the young player is destined to be a star. "He has talent. With the right guidance, he should be in the national team in the near future," Ndlovu says.

Elias joined Motlakase from Flamengo Desportos and believes he made the right move. He says his intention when he joined a Premier League side was to grow his career. He says goalkeepers in the Premier League are not kept busy like those in the First Division.

"There is flurry of shots in the First Division. 

The ball is always coming to you but this is not the case in the Premier League," he says.Elias has set his eyes on playing in South Africa. He believes that with the right support from his team-mates and the coach, he will realise his dream.  He does not hesitate in declaring himself the best goalkeeper in Botswana at the moment. "I am the best. I easily cope with situations," he says. The confidence radiates in his face and step. His career started at the young age of eight when he was at school. He later joined an amateur side, BF278 in Extension 4 in Gaborone. Elias then moved to Notwane Under-17 side where he received a call-up to the national Under-17 team. "That's where I gained experience and my career got a push," Elias says.

He is fond of performing theatrics to entertain the crowd and says he derives a lot of inspiration from Kaizer Chiefs' goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune and his Orlando Pirates' counterpart, Moneeb Joseph. Elias played probably his best game in Motlakase colours in the 1-1 draw with Notwane at the Molepolole Sports Complex last month. He produced save after save to keep his side in the match as Notwane launched a late raid on his goal.

Forward Langson Sichola seemed poised to score on two occasions but Elias produced magic to deny him. However, Ndlovu says the goalkeeper has to work on his distribution.

"His distribution is not the best but we have a goalkeeper coach who I believe will bring the best out of him. The boy belongs to the Zebras. I like his confidence," Ndlovu says.