Bophela boys are a twin threat
INSEPARABLE BROTHERS HAVE A DREAM – TO BOTH MAKE THEIR MARK IN AN OVERSEAS LEAGUE
The Premier Soccer League hasn’t been graced with twins playing in top-flight football for a while now, but that might change soon with Orlando Pirates reserve side twins Simo and Simiso Bophela on a quest to break into the Bucs senior team.
Born-and-bred in Snake Park, Soweto, the twins started playing football at a very young age and have been playing for the same team ever since their days with amateur club Snake Park Movers FC.
From then on, the pair went on to play for the Moroka Swallows development team, but at some point they both quit after one of the twins had a fall-out with the coach.
Hungry for success and passionate about football, the pair decided to attend Pirates’ development trials, which Simo admits were very difficult – they were chosen from a huge number of players who attended the session.
“Football runs in our veins, there is just nothing that can separate us from playing football. The good thing about it is that we both love and enjoy playing and makes our bond stronger,” said Simo, who plays as a midfielder, whereas his twin is a striker.
“We work hard every day to ensure that we make it to the senior team one day, that is our hope and dream since the day we started playing football. It was not easy making the cut for the Pirates development squad because everyone wants to play for Pirates and I remember there were many players there. But we were chosen and that alone says a lot about us, there is potential and we want to make our dreams come true.”’
“We played for the Swallows development team before, but things didn’t go well after my brother and the coach weren’t seeing eye-to-eye. He ended up leaving and after some time I also left the club. I don’t want to say it was difficult to play without him but that’s why I left. I just felt I wasn’t going anywhere and I needed progress in my game.”
Simo adores his brother, but he knows that one day, one of them might make it, while the other doesn’t. But he says he is ready for that and his brother knows it as well and all they have to do is support each other every step of the way in their careers.
“Such is football and there are always disappointments. We might have been alongside each for many years, but we know that one day we might end up being at separate teams or only one of us will play in the PSL. We are ready for it and we will support each other.”
The twins’ dream, though, is to play overseas and Simo believes it is possible as long as they continue working hard and striving for success.
“We are enjoying playing in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, but the ultimate dream for us is to play abroad. I don’t want to be choosy in which club I would like to play for, and I believe my brother will feel the same.
“As long we both play overseas then we would say yes, our dream has materialised,” he continued.
“But again, our short-term goal is to make it into the senior team. Once that is done, then we will look at other things.”