Golden Jubilee shapes Morwa Rising Stars
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday December 15, 2025 06:00
“When I rejoined Stars from GU, there were many players here, but there was no management; hence, I decided to manage them with the little knowledge I had picked from GU,” he explained.
“Morwa Rising Stars was formed when I was still a young boy 50 years ago, with the likes of Dr Daniel Tau, the late Andrew Matsela Tau, Jacob Thamage, Nicodemus Tau, and Meshack Tau, amongst others.
“The club was formed in 1973, but became a household name in 1975. I was part of the process and attended all the meetings. I was a good footballer, and the senior brothers liked me.”
Makgala revealed that setting up the club was full of challenges, but they persevered.
He said they used to play with clubs such as Bokaa United, Oodi Black Aces, and Mogoditshane Fighters, adding that after every match, they used to organise fundraising concerts.
Makgala noted that whilst during Christmas holidays, they used to have fund-raising events at a place called 'Masenkeng' because they had put up corrugated iron in a corner at the establishment owned by Dintsi.
It was during the events that they sold alcohol, with an added markup to make a profit with revellers paying a certain fee to access Masenkeng.
“Back then, when we wanted to challenge a club for a match, we sent people to deliver a letter to Bokaa or any nearby village. They just rode a bicycle, and the reply will also be delivered the same way. In the 1990s, we were playing in South Central League. When you get promoted, you go straight to the Premier League. We did not have a home ground by then; our base was Mochudi Buffaloes’ ground, which is a long way from us.
“We practised in Gaborone; we owned a ground there, the infamous SSG Ground. It was difficult for us to transport players every weekend; that is why we managed to develop our own ground here in Morwa. I do not remember the exact year,” Makgala said.
Morwa Rising Stars won the Standard Chartered Cup during the 1991–1992 season when they were still playing in the South Central League, which included clubs from Mochudi, Thamaga, Ramotswa and Tlokweng.
He explained that the cup was for the top four finishers, and Rising Stars pulled a 3–1 victory against Buffaloes to lift the cup. The cup carried a P800 reward.
Makgala said they went on to play the Coca-Cola Cup in 1993, where they faced off against Township Rollers. He said they gave Rollers a scare to the point where there were threats of protests during the match.
He said Rising Stars used to produce some players, such as Dr Daniel Tau, a former goalkeeper, who went to play for Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Zebras.
Daniel Moeng, who played for Extension Gunners, David Mokgethi, who played for Kanye Swallows, and Collen Phiri, who played for Rollers, GU, and Centre Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Makgala said they used to play league matches in Molepolole, which was not fair because Gaborone clubs were only playing games around Gaborone.
“I used to complain about that set-up, but I was uncomfortable raising my concerns during the Botswana Football Association (BFA) general assembly. But I was able to talk to the other delegates outside,” he said.
“The motion was brought up in the general assembly, hence regions came about. I did not say they should set up regions, but I was basically saying it was costly for clubs. If we win promotional play-offs in May, we will be promoted to First Division South.”
Makgala said the partnership they have with Letsema Insurance will benefit the club more if supporters can sign for funeral policies in large numbers. He said the company will be paying for transport for the players to matches.
He said Rising Stars is giving a platform to youngsters and an opportunity to showcase their talents; if they are good enough, they will be able to attract bigger clubs. He said they do not bind players with contracts like other clubs.
Regarding the kit colours of green and yellow, Makgala said they were inspired by the then South African-based Pimville Brothers football club. He said the team is able to survive through contributions by supporters and central committee members.
The committee members are: Thari Mokgalo (president), Cyril Machailo (vice president), Mpho Kwapa (chairman), Boysie Tladi (vice chairman), Thato Sentsho (secretary general), Kagiso Sentsho (vice secretary), Kagiso Kwapa (treasurer), Seabo Koxhisha, and Harlas Tau.
Additional members: Tebagano Ntshole, Shirley Kwapa, and Pricilla Mpete.