I wanted that feeling

If media reports are to be believed, a tug of war ensued between some of Gauteng’s biggest clubs over the signature of Katlego Otladisa, with Orlando Pirates eventually winning the race for his services. However, it is not the skillful winger’s first time at a big club having previously been on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns. He has made slow progress to life as a Bucs player, but is hoping to pick up the momentum as the campaign goes on, and with games coming thick and fast, every player’s contribution will be crucial as the club aims to do better than last season. Five months into the 27-year-old’s career as a member of the Sea Robbers ship, and Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver sat down with him to talk about the switch from relegation candidates to championship challengers, winning a trophy early on in the famous Black and White colours, and why there’s been no “culture shock” for him.

Delmain Faver: “Dox”, welcome back to the pages of Soccer Laduma. The last time we spoke to you was when you joined Marumo Gallants and received a new lease on life. So much has changed since then and you are now on the books of Orlando Pirates, where you managed to win your first trophy just a few months after joining the club.

Katlego Otladisa: Yeah, it’s a really overwhelming feeling, you know. It’s always nice winning something like the first cup that is up for grabs in the league. So, yeah, it was an overwhelming feeling and it was really nice to win something with Pirates.

DF: Is that justification that you made the right decision in joining the Soweto giants, as we understand there were a few other teams keen on your services prior to that?

KO: Yeah, everyone wants to play for a big club and (be) representing one of the biggest institutions in Africa, so yeah, it’s a great feeling.

DF: Speaking of big institutions, you were at a big club before in Mamelodi Sundowns. However, things didn’t exactly go as planned for you. Did you ever foresee that you would bounce back and be playing for one of the Big Three after leaving Chloorkop?

KO: I didn’t really expect that, you know. All I hoped for as a player was getting minutes, getting a team to play for and doing what I love. But playing for a big team was something that I didn’t expect.

DF: While we’re on the topic of the decision to join Bucs, how did it come about and what would you say the club’s pulling power was over their rivals, who were also chasing your signature?

KO: I wanted to associate myself within a winning fraternity, you know. Pirates have been doing well lately, let’s be honest. A season ago, they had the double (the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup), so I wanted that feeling as well and to tag along with the team.

DF: It’s incredible how you went from the disappointment of suffering relegation in May, to winning a trophy in October. Thinking back, that disappointment with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa must be something that still lingers in your mind…

KO: You know, things like that you can’t really anticipate. There were a lot of things happening at the club, but we tried our best to get out of the situation, but it didn’t really work out. Only God knows (why). But with that being said, I’m just happy to be here at the club, which is Pirates.

DF: It wasn’t all doom and gloom at Gallants though as you guys enjoyed a stellar run in the CAF Confederation Cup that has even seen the team score a nomination for CAF Club of the Year. It’s a pity that you couldn’t continue that continental run with Pirates in the CAF Champions League this season.

KO: Yeah, I was really looking forward to getting into the CAF (Champions League) as well with Pirates, who are a much more organised team if I may say – no disrespect to Marumo Gallants. I was really looking forward to it, but it just couldn’t happen. But, ja, it’s how it works…

DF: How much of a change have you seen in your personal life since joining the Houghton-based outfit? The sheer weight of the badge and the thousands of fans who rejoice every time you touch the ball is something that could take some getting used to.

KO: I’m really a loner. I don’t go out that much. I’m always indoors. Obviously there has (been a change in terms of recognition), but then I’m always indoors after training.

DF: You were one of four players, alongside Melusi Buthelezi, Siphelo Baloni and Patrick Maswanganyi, to be roped in at the start of the current season. What was the reception like from the time you arrived?

KO: (We were welcomed) with warm arms, obviously. Some of the guys I have played with them. Some of the guys I’m familiar with, so it was really just a warm welcome from the gents all round, as well as from the staff.

DF: So far this season, you have featured six times, but only one of those appearances came from a starting position. In terms of targets, what exactly are you looking for from a playing perspective?

KO: I’m looking at a target of providing assists for the team, getting goals for the team and getting more minutes and hopefully getting another cup with the team just to top it off.

DF: In terms of adjusting, what would you say has been the biggest culture shock about joining the side? Sometimes when you look at such an institution from the outside in, you aren’t fully aware of its magnitude unless you are right there, right?

KO: Honestly, there hasn’t really been much of a culture shock because all we are focusing on is training, living a good life and just doing your best when you have the opportunity to do that.

DF: When you break into the professional ranks as early as you do, there is often a feeling that the early potential you’ve shown needs to be fulfilled in your career. At 27, do you think there is a lot more pressure for you to, sort of, come of age now?

KO: Yeah, especially when you are at this team, there’s always pressure. It’s always going to be like that because they want us at our best levels and all that. So, they are just prepping us to be at our best at all times.

DF: Dox, thanks so much for your time and all the best for the rest of the season.

KO: Thank you, big man. ❐