Heart condition forces Motsepe to retire
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday July 22, 2016 12:42
Motsepe joined the Ostriches from BDF XI two seasons ago and played a pivotal role in the Ostriches’ campaign as the Orapa side walked to a historic Mascom Top 8 silverware and a third place league finish in the past season. In the season, the experienced midfielder played all the games save for two due to suspension.
The former Zebras man was recently diagnosed with a heart problem and according to the player the doctor has advised that he should stop playing. Motsepe said he would have wished to continue for one more season with the Ostriches.
“My plan was to carry on with Orapa United for another season,” he said. “I feel I still have something in my tank and my legs can carry on. Sadly, the doctor has advised that I should stop playing because that will put my life at risk. I don’t want to become a casualty like other players around the world who have suffered fatal collapses on the pitch due to heart failures,” said Motsepe.
He said despite being forced to quit the sport he loves he is happy with his career. “I came to Orapa and we made history. I have been here for a short while and I left the team in a good shape. I felt more at home here and I trust the guys will carry the team forward and do well,” he added.
Motsepe said he will remain with Orapa United although he could not divulge much. “I can’t reveal much on my future now but the team has not thrown me out. I will still be part of the team. The management knows what is next for me and I believe they will notify everyone soon,” he said.
Motsepe was born in Malolwane on July 1, 1981. He began his football career with First Division Kgatleng side, Mochudi Buffaloes while he was a junior school student. He left the team to join Real Masters in the district football and helped the side rise up the ranks until the second division. He kicked out his top-flight football career with Mochudi Centre Chiefs in 2001 aged 20 and played for three seasons.
In 2004, he joined Mogoditshane Fighters and helped the side to a Coca-Cola Cup runners up position. The following season he left Fighters and followed his former Fighters mentor David Bright to Flamingo Santos in the First Division. He was instrumental in the team’s successful campaign in 2006 when they gained promotion to the Premier League and played for one season with Santos before joining BDF XI.
BDF XI became his home for seven seasons where he won the Mascom Top 8 cup before moving to Orapa United. Recently, Motsepe was voted the most disciplined player at the Orapa United end of season awards. He was capped 31 times for the Zebras and was part of the history making team, which went Gabon for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2012.