Young Gabonamong to step into big brother's boots

Shingirai Madondo | Tuesday November 19, 2013 14:45

 

Exciting but ageing Mogogi Gabonamong was a rare discovery to the local game and beyond the country's borders.

Born and bred at Mmutlane Village near Mahalapye, Gabonamong's football exploits came to the fore at a very tender age.  The crunch tackler in defensive areas, Gabonamong could be the only player locally who got a rare opportunity to try his luck at the most adored soccer club, Manchester United.  Gabonamong  spent a profitable spell with local giants Township Rollers before crossing over the Limpopo River in search of greener pastures in the neighboring South Africa where he played for Engen Santos. 

He is currently plying his trade at Supersport United. ABSA Premier Soccer League clubs and local teams will have their interest piqued by the fact he has got a younger brother following in his footsteps.

Teams plying their trade in the Debswana First Division North League are already not comfortable with the 20-year old boy. Kedumetse 'Esrom' Gabon among has been described by many as a 'young sensation'.

Kedumetse is nicknamed Esrom after the Zimbabwean Mamelodi Sundowns midfield maestro, Esrom Nyandoro. The younger Gabonamong marshals the midfield just like his brother and the talented Zimbabwean. Last Saturday, Kedumetse proved his mettle during their league encounter against Tati Sporting Club (TASC) at the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Donga grounds in Francistown.

Although his club went 0-1 down to the hosts, Kedumetse was a hero. Tshoganetso Malizimba, TASC's experienced and talented left footer had to be assigned the lanky midfielder as he was posing some threats to the hosts. But the younger Gabonamong was not fazed.

He continued playing his normal game and could not hesitate launching those crunch tackles to win the balls.

'He (Mogogi) always tells me not to be afraid when on the field of play,' said the soft-spoken player of his brother.

Kedumetse, who has got the desire to turn out for South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs, said Gabonamong supports him in all aspects.

'He buys me trainers and soccer boots.

Over and above that, he tells me to be determined,' said the emerging defensive midfielder. 

 'Kedumetse is still learning the ropes. However, he showed great potential to become a complete player just like his brother in no time,' said Themba Lunga, the Mahalapye Hotspurs head coach.