Tsotso is ready for much bigger challenge
Thuso Palai | Tuesday June 3, 2014 17:21
Over the past few weeks there have been a few names mentioned and there is one particular name that has hogged the back pages in both Botswana and South Africa.
He is arguably the best footballer in Botswana at the moment. He is arguably the most talented footballer of his generation. He is well on his way to being one of Botswana greatest exports. He is still very young, is very grounded, well-mannered and ambitious. He is Mogakolodi Tsotso Ngele. The youngster has established himself and doubled, if not tripled his value in just two seasons after leaving our shores to the more lucrative South African Premier League.
It is no surprise that he has excelled so much in the tough RSA league and is being fought for by the big teams in that country. Currently playing at Platinum Stars, Ngele is reportedly on the wanted list of the top Gauteng teams.
As it stands, Orlando Pirates is the one that is making the most noise, with reports that they have made a bid for Ngele, in what could become a money spinner for Platinum Stars and the player himself. If it happens, it will be a big money move.
Over the past few weeks, there has been mixed reactions to Ngele’s possible move to Orlando Pirates. Some are for the move and some are against. Both sides have their reasons, which I appreciate. I agree with some, and totally disagree with some. Football is a relatively short career, and football players need to use their talent and accumulate as much as possible while their legs can still carry them.
The same goes for Ngele. He needs to use his talent to accumulate. He needs to make hay while the sun shines. The reasons advanced against are mainly centred around whether he would get play time at Pirates. For me, Ngele is so talented that I feel he can play anywhere. At times I feel he is even bigger than the South African League.
I am of the view that Ngele should move to Orlando Pirates or any of the big teams that comes in for his signature. He needs to challenge himself, and see if he can perform at the glamour clubs, where all the big money and pressure is. I’m confident he would excel.
He has already done that in Botswana, where he played for arguably the biggest, most successful and most supported club locally in Township Rollers, where he excelled and never buckled under the huge pressure that comes with donning the Blue and Gold Popa shirt.
I recently had a chat with one senior national team player who expressed the same sentiments, saying Tsotso is a talent that if guided accordingly, can play anywhere in the world. He however said if Tsotso harbours hopes of playing abroad, which he has, then he should think hard about his next move. His touted big money move can either break or make him, and being an eternal optimist and knowing the talent he possesses, I would advise him to take the plunge and move on. Make hay while the sun shines son.