The dazzling magic of Dirang Moloi

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday November 9, 2007 00:00

 

But Moloi has now buried the hatchet with the club managers and is back in the fold. He has produced some sterling performances, which left fans asking for more. Opposition supporters now attend Notwane games to see the talented star in action.

He was a key player in the recent game when Notwane forced a late equaliser against cross-town rivals, Township Rollers. When Notwane were heading to a 2-1 loss, the midfielder forced Rollers' defender Kgomari Mothuba to commit a foul outside the box.

From the resultant free-kick, captain Keoagetse 'Barnes' Radipotsane buried the chance for a 2-2 draw.

Though Radipotsane was the star on the day, many people including Rollers' supporters hailed Moloi.

Last Friday when Notwane took on Lobtrans Gunners at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Moloi once again was centre of attraction. 'Waitse mosimanayana yona o itse bolo (This boy is talented),' said a man clad in a Rollers' jersey. The 21-year-old midfielder called the shots in midfield and made Gunners' players look ordinary. His killer pass to Kaelo Mashiakgomo late in the second half resulted in the third goal that earned Toronto a deserved 3-1 lead.

Notwane coach Paul 'Barena' Moyo is an excited man saying that the youngster is heading for greater heights. The veteran Zimbabwean tactician believes that if Moloi keeps working hard, people will see a different player altogether. 'His game is coming right and I believe that he can still do more. I had a long chat with him yesterday (Wednesday) after training because I believe that the boy has potential,' said Moyo. The coach, who believes so much in the towering midfielder, said Moloi is capable of single-handedly winning a match and it would have been bad to let him go.

Notwane's long-serving player, Fabian Zulu said the performance and attitude of the Zebras midfielder has changed. 'He is always on time at training and he is pushing himself hard. I am happy at the moment with his performances but I believe he can still do more.' Zulu asserted that Moloi should forget about what people say and concentrate fully on his football.

As Notwane prepare to take on TAFIC at the Selebi-Phikwe Stadium tomorrow, soccer supporters in the area, can be assured that they are in for a treat. If TAFIC entertain registering their third win of the season, they must come up with an effective plan to stop the on-fire Moloi. It is understood that  South African scouts were in Gaborone last Friday to watch the youngster.