Age takes dazzle off Moloi�s legs
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday March 24, 2016 12:40
Hailed as one of the most talented footballer of his generation when he debuted in the elite league, Moloi has lived to expectations. The pintsized Moloi has tormented opponents with his dazzling ball skills.
He was part of Toronto’s golden generation that won the league once, the Kabelano and Independence Cup before he made an unexpected switch to Magosi in the 2006/2007 season. Then Chiefs were trying to establish a formidable side to fight for honours. Piro, as Moloi is affectionately known, fitted like a glove in the Chiefs set up and quickly established himself as a fan favourite. At Magosi, he was instrumental as they won three league titles including in the 2008 season when they finished the league unbeaten.
His rare talent has also earned him a place in the country’s national teams.
Though he never blossomed in the national team set up, Moloi was part of the Zebras team that made its maiden sojourn to the Africa Cup of Nations 2012 edition. However, after nearly an 18-year fruitful spell Moloi now finds himself in an unfamiliar situation.
This season the 34-year old has been converted from a key figure in the Magosi set up into a benchwarmer. To some extent, he has been turned into a dressing room cheerleader.
Perhaps his most notable moment this season was winning the ‘bePLAYER of the month’ last November. But many felt that he did not deserve the award because he did not play that much.
Moloi has struggled to replicate his old form. To best highlight his woes this season, he watched in agony as his side was brutally beaten by Popa in the semi-final first leg of the Mascom Top 8 Cup. In a match of that stature, it was inevitable that PM7 would get the nod but Chiefs mentor Mike Sithole decided otherwise.
Moloi did take part in the second leg but it was too late. He failed to spark, only his signature outburst, which many believe is usually born out of frustration returned when he poked an opponent. Moloi was lucky to escape with a caution. He would later pave way for Ayanda Molefhe in the second half.
Moloi, who has enjoyed a mostly injury-free career, sustained a rib sprain knock that had sidelined him for two weeks at the beginning of the year.
Recent developments have raised some questions regarding PM7’s footballing prospects. Is age catching up with PM7? Moloi responded in the affirmative in an interview with Mmegi Sport this week.
“Look I have played 18 years of top flight football consistently. My career was not marred by many injuries and at my age I am closing in on my retirement years. “I am not saying I will be retiring any time soon and I have never thought about it, but at my age I can’t be playing 90 minutes week in and week out,” said the soft-spoken skipper who sounded content with his overall achievement in football. Magosi mentor Mike Sithole believes Moloi is still influential in the team.
“We still believe in him. He might not have played because of injuries or other circumstances, but he is still influential. He is still our captain. Moloi has leadership qualities we can still tap into as a team,” said a diplomatic Sithole.
Sithole was reluctant to discuss Moloi’s on field performance further. “I cannot say much about his performance now. I can only do that at the end of the season because I analyse my players at the end of the season,” he said.