Thank you Big Joe!

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Wednesday January 6, 2010 00:00

 

Phetogo, 29, met his untimely death after he was hit by a speeding vehicle in Pilane on Christmas eve, which sent shock waves in football circles. Phetogo joined the Reds from a lower division side, Mighty Greens in 1998 and has never jumped ship even during the Reds' difficult times. The only time he left GU was in 2007 when he played for South African First Division side, Nathi Lions.

In appreciating his 10 years of commitment to the Reds, which saw him guide the Gaborone team to their first league title in 19 years during the 2008-2009 season, GU have committed to pay Phetogo's salary for the next three months. 'He (Phetogo) has remained loyal to the club over the last 10 years and he was a disciplined player who we will sorely miss. As a result, at GU we've committed ourselves to pay Joe's salary for the next three months to help accomplish some of the dreams he would have liked to fulfill if he was alive. We therefore call on GU supporters who would like to make contributions for Joe to see our committee members,' said GU vice-chairperson Babatshe Paphane at the funeral. The league champions have further introduced 'Joseph Phetogo Cup', which will be awarded to a player who excels at GU every season. GU believe in so doing, that would help keep Phetogo's spirit alive and encourage the remaining players to serve the club with passion. GU further thanked their cross-town rivals Township Rollers, Botswana Football Association (BFA), Premier League Committee (PLC) and the football fraternity for the support they gave them since the sad news broke.

During his memorial service at Lekidi Football Centre in Gaborone last Wednesday evening, football supporters were told not to cry over the departed star, but celebrate the service he rendered to Botswana football. He was likened to former GU defender Gofhamodimo 'City' Senne who served the Reds with commitment and was never in the bad books.

Interestingly, Phetogo was recruited to the Reds' camp as a striker, but was converted to a defender when it was clear that he could not settle upfront. Since then, Phetogo has never looked back and became a pillar of strength at the heart of the GU defence.

'The last time I saw Joe was when we were in camp for the COSAFA Senior Challenge in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, he could not travel with the team because he sustained an injury in the build-up. But he was a nice guy who always had others' interest (at heart). Even in camp when we teased others, he would discourage us. That is how Joe was,' said former Mochudi Centre Chiefs' captain, Pontsho 'Piro' Moloi.

GU defender Bosarutweng 'Booster' Magola left the mourners in stitches during the memorial service when he differed with speakers about Phetogo. 'I would differ with you, Joe was a naughty character. I've also heard that Joe was a good defender, but he knew very well that I was better than him. He used to kick the ball forward without controlling it, but as for me, I would control the ball nicely in the box under pressure from the opponents and release it,' said Magola. Most importantly, he urged the football supporters not despair because Phetogo has completed his lap and another person would come and take where he left off.