Where did these promising talents go?

| Friday July 10, 2009 00:00

Kagiso Tshelametse
Arguably one of the best goalkeepers to emerge in Botswana football in recent times.

Tall, athletic, agile and acrobatic, Tshelametse kept goals for the national team and once played abroad in Trinidad and Tobago. But his career somehow floundered and never flourished. The flamboyant goalkeeper played for Notwane, Satmos and Township Rollers before his disappearance. He was part of the national team, under coach Veselin Jelusic, which held the nation spell- bound with some outstanding performances and victories.

The support of the national team swelled beyond imaginable proportions and Tshelametse was a vital cog in the Zebras' line-up. He is rumoured to be lying low in his home village of Mahalapye.

Steve Kilego
The former Orapa Wanderers hard man might not immediately elicit a reaction from most soccer fans but he was a rare talent. Kilego was part of the Under-23 team, which came agonisingly close to qualifying for the 2007 All-Africa Games. He graduated to the national team but had a difficult period breaking into the first 11. His exploits saw him signed by Blue Waters in Namibia. He had a brief stint in Switzerland but injury brought his promising career to a halt. When he healed, he tried to make a come back but nothing has been heard from him lately.

Abueng 'Stone' Dijogadifele
He was a speedy striker who had a sharp eye for goal. Dijogadifele represented the nation at Under-23 and senior level. He made his mark playing for Red Lions in Selebi-Phikwe before he was snatched by Nico United.

The flying forward was signed by Extension Gunners and that was the last most fans heard of him. At one stage, he was struck by an undisclosed illness but recovered and returned to the game. He was part of Sam Sono's Under-23 side which included Mogogi Gabanamong, Tiroyamodimo Mohambi, Pontso Moloi and Lolo Mosojane.

Mompati Banda
The gifted left-winger served Mogoditshane Fighters with distinction before he faded to the football wilderness. His darting runs down the left flank were a marvel to watch. He played for the Under-23 team. He was a Zebras' fringe player. When Fighters were relegated from the Premier League, he disappeared from the soccer scene. He was part of the Fighters' team that blazed the trail on its way to a record third successive league titles at the turn of the millennium.

Olebogeng 'Bebeto' Bolefete
The former Notwane forward had a bright future in football. He too played for the Under-23 national team and was once in the books of Satmos. He has tried, albeit without success, to resurrect his floundering career. He is believed to be working and living in Selebi-Phikwe. He was lost to the game at a young age.

Phineas 'Jiki' Maimela
A stylish ballplayer, Maimela disappeared after Township Rollers was relegated from the Premier League in 2003. Although he was ageing, he decided to leave the limelight at a time when fans still expected more from his legs. He dazzled when he was at Extension Gunners and was part of the Rollers' team during the hey-days of Tshepiso 'Sox' Molwantwa. He is said to be concentrating on his job as a police officer.

Trevor Moiseraele
A promising youngster who started his professional career at Satmos before securing a dream move to Extension Gunners. The pacy left footer seemed destined for big things but his stay in Lobatse was a nightmare. He has since relegated to lower league football after signing for Letlapeng in the First Division. Some say his progress has been hampered by disciplinary problems.

Duncan Kgopolelo
The lightening quick forward played for Police XI and the Zebras. He used to take on defenders with ease. He played alongside Dipsy Selolwane and Molwantwa in the Zebras' team coached by Veselin. The last time anything was heard from the promising star, he was turning out for then First Division side, Wonder Sporting.

Edwin Disang
He was part of the all-conquering Fighters' team and won himself a place in Major David Bright's Zebras. The skilful striker, who had a good eye for goal, left the local scene to pursue studies in the United States where he played college football. On his return, Nico United made inquiries about his services after he secured employment with BCL. He has since decided to concentrate on his well paying job at the expense of soccer, although there are reports that he has moved abroad.

Bobo Motlhalane
A promising youngster whose career has stagnated after endearing himself to fans with brilliant displays in BMC colours. Motlhalane's exploits for Jwaneng Comets caught the attention of BMC who lured him to Lobatse. So immense was Motlhalane's contribution that he was touted as a future star in the national team.

He was duly drafted into the Under-23 team that took the world by storm under David Bright.

But the dimunitive linkman has suddenly disappeared after leaving BMC to rejoin Comets, a weird decision that took pundits by surprise. His career is far from its twilight and he would be advised to re-focus in order to make a return to football.

Thato Siska
Another talent that has been hampered by injuries. Siska starred for Notwane before moving overseas.

However, a knee injury brought him back home and after recovering, he made a big move to Mochudi Centre Chiefs. After cameo appearances owing to a recurring injury, he left Chiefs for Uniao Flamengo Santos but made little impact. Not much has been heard from him since then. Siska donned the national colours and was flourishing under Colwyn Rowe but again injury came back to haunt him.

Vincent Chikumba
The slender goalkeeper kept goal for Notwane and was drafted into Sam Sono's Under-23 team. Although not an agile shot-stopper in the mould of Tshelametsi, he had a big heart and showed promise.

But Chikumba has disappeared from the local scene without trace though there are reports linking him with his hometown club, TAFIC.