A LOOK AT THE LOCAL STARS FLYING THE FLAG IN SA
Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele (29)
Ngele took to the South African league like a duck to water when he joined Platinum Stars from Township Rollers in 2012.
Signed on the back of an impressive AFCON with the national team, the then 22-year-old’s fine form continued for his new club, where he formed a lethal strike force with Henrico Botes.
19 goals in 67 games, countless assists plus a Telkom Cup (a competition in which he was named ‘Player of the Tournament’) and three years later Mamelodi Sundowns came calling.
Unfortunately the lanky left footer’s stint with the Brazilians proved extremely frustrating and he was restricted to just 11 appearances in four years.
Indeed, much of his time was spent on loan at Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United, winning the league and MTN 8 with the former.
However, just when it appeared the playmaker might retrace his steps back home, Black Leopards offered him a lifeline at the start of the 2019/20 season.
Signed on a two-year contract, Ngele hasn’t featured much for Leopards, who are currently struggling in the league, second bottom after 17 games. The appointment of his former coach Cavin Johnson, who recently took over the reigns at Leopards, could prove a stroke of luck for Ngele.
Johnson is a big fan of the Zebra and handed him his first start of the season at the weekend.
Although Bloemfontein Celtic emerged victorious 4-2, Ngele put in a solid display which suggests he will be getting a lot more game time in the future.
Lesenya Ramoraka (25)
The marauding left-back joined Highlands Park after the 2018 season having starred for Orapa United.
It did not take Ramoraka long to secure a starting birth with Highlands, a feat not many local players manage so quickly.
The flamboyant defender helped his new club to a 7th placed finish in their first season in the elite league.
Currently in 8th, Ramoraka, who has been an integral part of the Highlands set-up this season, will be hoping he can help his team secure another top 8 finish.
Mosha Gaolaolwe (26)
A hard tackling defender cum central-defensive-midfielder, Gaolaolwe joined National First Division (NFD) outfit TS Galaxy from Township Rollers at the beginning of the season.
Although he has been restricted to just five appearances, the steely player showed his versatility when the national team took on Algeria in an AFCON qualifier back in November.
The Desert Foxes ran out 1-0 winners on a damp night at the National Stadium but Gaolaolwe impressed in the middle of the park with his energy and tactical awareness.
He will be hoping for more opportunities with his club this year.
Ezekiel Morake (23)
The talented young shot stopper swapped one Galaxy for another at the beginning of the season, leaving Jwaneng to link up with Gaolaolwe at TS Galaxy.
Despite his obvious talent, Morake has found game time hard to come by, donning Galaxy’s colours just five times so far.
However, age is on the keeper’s side and if he can stay fit he should have a bright future.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (21)
The former Township Rollers defender joined SuperSport United in the current transfer window.
Despite turning 21 in September, Ditlhokwe has already proved he has a calm head on young shoulders, a trait that has seen him captain both Popa and the national team.
The youngster will need to show all his maturity as he enters a daunting changing room, where he will be competing against the likes of seasoned professionals Clayton Daniels, Grant Kekana and Bongani Khumalo for a starting spot.
Ditlhokwe’s time at SuperSport got off to a promising start at the weekend, when he was unexpectedly called off the bench to sure up his side’s defence in the 85th minute.
He duly did what was required off him, ensuring his team did not concede to eventually run out 2-0 winners against Amazulu.
The result leaves SuperSport in third place, ten points adrift of league leader’s Kaizer Chiefs.