Mogorosi sheds light on Chiefs move

| Friday February 25, 2011 00:00

Mmegi Sport: How did you feel about scoring two goals in your first game for Chiefs against your former team, Rollers?

Mogorosi: I was quite excited about the two goals that I scored for Chiefs especially because they were coming in my first game (for the club) against my former team. But for me the main thing was coming back to the pitch after not playing for some time. That is what really made me happy. Mmegi Sport: What caused the controversy that accompanied your move from Rollers to Chiefs?

Mogorosi: I never wanted to talk about the issue because there were people handling it.

Mmegi Sport: Were you contracted to Orlando Pirates as some people said?

Mogorosi: I was never a Pirates' player. I belonged to Rollers for the past three years and my contract came to an end in December. So that meant I was a free agent (when I left to join Chiefs).  Mmegi Sport: What were your thoughts when you walked into the UB Stadium last Saturday knowing that Rollers' fans were unhappy about your move?

Mogorosi: I simply locked my mind and prepared myself for whatever would happen. So I was ready for anything and I didn't really think about the (Rollers') supporters. Mmegi Sport: When you were celebrating one of your goals, it seemed like you wanted to go towards the Rollers fans' stand. Why?

Mogorosi: No, my intention was not to go to the Rollers' fans. I wanted to go to the coach. Mmegi Sport: And what did the coach say to you before that game?

Mogorosi: He never said much to me because he knows very well what I am capable of. The only thing he told me was that I should go in there and enjoy myself. Mmegi Sport: You worked well with (Rahman) Gumbo at Rollers, did he influence your move to Chiefs?

Mogorosi: I made the decision on my own one night. I sat down and thought it through and I felt I had to make the move. Mmegi Sport: It is said you had a misunderstanding with Rollers' managing director, Sommerset Gobuiwang. Did this contribute to your decision to leave?  Mogorosi: No, that is not true. That is one man whom I really worked well with and I am grateful for all he did for me. There was never any tension between the two of us. We had a good father-son relationship.

Mmegi Sport: Rollers stand a better chance of winning the league title this season and it seemed illogical to many when you left them. What influenced your decision?

Mogorosi: It was quite a tough decision to make but in life you never know what the future holds. So when I made my decision, it was not about winning the league title. Mmegi Sport: Most players value winning league titles more than anything [else]. Does your move mean winning two successive titles is not significant to you?  

Mogorosi: For now I am not thinking about the league title; I just want to play for Chiefs and see what will happen in future. (Winning) the league is not in my heart right now. I need to settle in at Chiefs because Rollers look like they will win it this season. But I am confident that I will win the title with Chiefs before the end of my contract. Mmegi Sport: What are some of the things you considered before making the decision to move?

Mogorosi: My contract with Rollers had come to an end and Chiefs came up with an attractive offer, which I could not resist. Again, I wanted a new challenge - the challenge of playing with the so-called experienced stars at Chiefs. I am not saying that Rollers' players are not good enough. But I felt joining Chiefs would present a new challenge to me. Mmegi Sport: How are you settling in at Chiefs, considering there is so much competition at the club?

Mogorosi: So far I am happy and all I can say is that I knew it was going to be a challenge to get a starting place in the team. I am ready to fight for my place in the team.   Mmegi Sport: How can you sum up your stay at Rollers?

Mogorosi: As a professional player, you have to be committed and work for the team, which I believe I did for Rollers. I enjoyed my stay at Rollers. I can't complain about anything. But right now, I need to focus on my career at Chiefs and forget about Rollers.  Mmegi Sport: Rollers recently took you to SuperSport United for trials. When you signed for Chiefs, did you not feel this would jeopardise your chances of getting a deal outside the country?

Mogorosi: Football is football my friend. If a club wants me, they will simply go to Chiefs and tell them they want my services. So that is not really an issue. Maybe if I had stayed at Rollers, I would have kept on going for trials and not getting any deal and retire in Botswana. Maybe now that I'm at Chiefs, I will get a deal outside the country. In fact, I still have hopes that I will get a deal outside the country.

Fact FileJoel Mogorosi Date of birth: August 2, 1984Place of birth: Kanye, BotswanaNickname: 16V, Speed-firePosition: Right wingerJersey number: 77Club: Mochudi Centre ChiefsPrevious clubs: Maletamotse, BMC, Apop Kinyras Peyias, AEP Paphos (both Cyprus), Township RollersHonours: 2006 Orange Kabelano Cup, 2009/2010 Premier League title, 2009/2010 Coca-Cola Cup (all with Rollers)