Pilikwe United Honour Oris
Chakalisa Dube | Monday November 8, 2021 16:00
The ground is now known as the 'Oris Radipotsane Sports Complex'. The unveiling of the name was done over the weekend and coincided with Radipotsane's wedding ceremony, which was also in Pilikwe. "It is a great thing to be honoured while you are still alive.
I really feel appreciated. This gesture will motivate me to continue working hard and giving back to the community that has made me as well as the nation in general," said Radipotsane. He added: "My brother (Fobby Radipotsane) was very instrumental in organising this event. I thank him for doing that. It is a good thing to be appreciated where you come from. I believe that I deserve the honour.
I have contributed a lot to the game and it has given me so much as well. Football has really brought me so many good memories." Village elders and some former players who played with Oris during the course of his sterling career attended the event. The Pilikwe United ground is popular for staging notable sports activities in the village.
Last month, Fobby who is chairperson for Pilikwe United said after consultation with various stakeholders in the village, the club has decided to name its ground after Oris as one way of honouring him for his contribution to football. Inside the sports complex, there will be a board displaying details about Radipotsane’s notable achievements during his playing and coaching career as way of inspiring the younger generation. Oris is the first player from Pilikwe to play in the elite league.
He is also one of the most successful players to have ever come out of the village. Oris' playing career spanned for more than a decade. He is also among the most decorated players that the country has ever produced. The former Zebras assistant coach played for sides such as Palapye United, Township Rollers. He lifted the league six times between 1981 and 1987 while at Township Rollers.
He also won the Mainstay and Lion Cup during his fruitful stay at Popa. In his decorated playing career, Oris also captained the national team between 1982 and 1987. As a coach, Oris guided Motlakase to the Premier League in 2012. Prior to that he had guided the team to the Coca-Cola Cup final.
He has also in the past served in the technical team of several junior national teams and the senior national team. In addition, Oris helped Galaxy to win promotion to the elite league during the 2014-2015 season. He recently helped Jwaneng Galaxy reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history.