Frustrated Tsotso ready to quit Sundowns
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 17, 2017 17:00
Tsotso signed for the wealthy Pretoria-based side in 2015 on a five-year contract following a successful three years with Platinum Stars. Ngele’s Sundowns stay has not been glossy as he found game time hard to come by spending most of it either in the stands or on the bench.
The left-footed midfielder was loaned to BidVest Wits last season where he helped the team clinch the league and cup double.
Upon his return to Sundowns, Ngele was demoted to the reserve side as he was recovering from a niggling knee injury and awaited a residence permit. Botswana’s finest export has since recovered from the injury and has been granted a permit after he naturalised as a South African citizen, but he still finds himself nowhere near Pitso Mosimane’s first team, as he trained with the reserve side.
Concerned by the player’s situation at Sundowns, Zebras coach, David Bright was set to hold talks with Sundowns in an effort to find a solution that would help both the player and the national team.
“I will engage the association to help us in talking to Pitso Mosimane. We are of the view that Tsotso has to be conditioned to get back to his level best. His absence deeply troubles us,” Bright said earlier during a press conference.
However, according to media reports the meeting with Sundowns team reserve coach, David Notoane did not bear any fruit while Bright is yet to meet Mosimane. Ngele seems to be getting frustrated and has hinted that he would have to consider his future if opportunities prove scarce at the Brazilians.
“What is more important is to play. If you are not playing, there is no use to stay put. You must find a team where you can play. I need to find a way to get on to the field [for the first team again],” he told South African publication, Sunday World on Saturday.
The 27-year-old winger has no problem with fighting for his berth in the Sundowns first team, which boasts quality players in his position.
“There is always competition everywhere and I like it. I will work hard to get into the first team because I want to contribute to the success of the team this season,” the former Platinum Stars talisman said.
Ngele got his feel of competitive football this season as he captained the Sundowns reserve team in a 3-0 loss to SuperSport United in the reserve league on Saturday.
The player has only managed 10 appearances for Sundowns. Ngele is said to be on a number of teams’ radar including Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates.
Ngele joins a list of foreign-based players who are struggling with game time. Lebogang Ditsele has only made one start for the Highlands Park in South Africa’s second tier league. In the UK, Renei Batlokwa is yet to make a first team start as he turns for the Under-23s at Southend United while Ofentse Nato remains clubless after stints in India.