‘Stopper’ still going strong at 41
It is unheard of for local footballers to play for more than two decades at the highest level. But Mpoeleng ‘Stopper’ Mpoeleng at 41, shows no signs of slowing down as he talks to Mmegi Sport Staff Writer, CHAKALISA DUBE about the secret behind his longev
Players in the local game usually quit the sport in their late 30s owing to persistent injuries and tired legs. However, veteran defender, Mpoeleng ‘Stopper’ Mpoeleng has defied the odds.
At the age of 41, Mpoeleng is now the oldest player to have featured in the local elite league. He has been in the game for 22 years and despite his release from Notwane recently, he does not harbour ambitions of throwing in the towel yet. Stopper’s sojourn in local football started in 1999.
Fresh from Moeng College, he was snapped by Toronto as Notwane are affectionately known, who were a force to reckon with. The club had spotted him playing for his school during the BISA games the previous year. In February 1999, Stopper made his debut in an away CAF Champions league match against Lesotho Defence Force.
Since then the pint-sized right-back has not looked back. Mpoeleng has represented Notwane across two spells. His first spell was in 1999 until 2009 when he joined Mochudi Centre Chiefs. After winning two league titles with Chiefs, he joined Selebi-Phikwe side FC Satmos before a stint with cross-town rivals Nico United. He helped FC Satmos win promotion back to the Premier League in 2014. He returned to Notwane in 2017 and helped the club win promotion back to the elite league. He is also considered a legend at Notwane having won several trophies, amongst them the prestigious Coca Cola Cup. But the question is what could be the reason behind Mpoeleng’s longevity? “One thing that has kept me going is that I look after my body very well.
I make sure that I have enough rest after matches and training. The reason many players do not last in the game is because of ill-discipline. They drink and party a lot. They never have enough rest. Women and keeping the wrong crowd is also a distraction to many footballers,” Mpoeleng
said. “I played with massively talented players who retired early because they did not lead healthy lifestyles. Talent alone cannot take you that far in football.”
Mpoeleng is also amongst the few players who have captained all the teams that they have played for. “I guess the higher level of commitment that I have often shown towards the game is what has convinced coaches to give me the armband.
I also have the abilities to lead and motivate others, which is why I believe some of my past coaches preferred me as captain,” he said. Despite being considered one of the best defenders to have ever come out of the country, Stopper
has not had a fairly impressive career in the national team.
He has less than 10 national team caps. He, however, said despite not donning the national team jersey frequently, he is still impressed with his overall career accomplishments. At 41, Mpoeleng maintains that he still wants to play in the First Division or Premier League until he is 43-years-old. “In my last match (last year just before football was halted owing to [the coronavirus] COVID-19) for Notwane when we eliminated BDF XI in the Orange FA Cup Last 16, I showed people what I am capable of. I showed them that I still have the energy to play. I even outclassed most of the youngsters who were on the pitch. I believe my legs can still carry me for the next two years.” Football in the country is not always fairly rewarding and Mpoeleng encourages players to study or find a job to argument the little they often get. He says while at Notwane he completed an Auto Electrical course (NCC) at ATTC. “Players should use their network in football to create empowerment opportunities for themselves.
This would enable them to lead better lives, especially after their playing days.” Stopper works for Estate Construction as an auto electrician. During his days at FC Satmos and Nico United, he worked for BCL Mine, before the company was liquidated.
He said he was offered a job to play for FC Satmos. Both FC Satmos and Nico United often enjoyed the backing of BCL Mine. Stopper said his biggest wish is to see football being treated as a business that can create jobs rather than being considered as a hobby.
“I do admit that things have improved now. Players are paid better than during yesteryears but our football is still way too behind.” Mpoeleng might have expressed shock with the manner in, which he was released by Notwane having served the club with distinction and dignity over the years.
He, however, hopes the club will honour him with a benefit game soon. Former Notwane midfielder Fabian Zulu is not surprised by Stopper’s longevity in the game. “Mpoeleng is one of the most disciplined players I have come across.
He has shown that if one loves and respect the game he will go far. I played with him for years and he was never involved in silly things. He was amongst the most responsible players during my time at Notwane. He would share the little money we earned at the club with his family,” Zulu said. Zulu described Mpoeleng as a good motivator. “One thing I will also always remember him for his love for Sparletta Pine Nut during camp. To this day Stopper still likes the drink.”