Why are you writing me off?
Tebogo Moloi had a sit-down with one of his former players at Orlando Pirates, Mpho Makola, in the third of his “Legend and friends” offerings. Having coached the Alexandra-born star at the
Soweto giants, Moloi asks him about his current situation, what the future holds, while also discussing the importance of staying true to yourself as a player.
Tebogo Moloi: Bibo, the last time we sat together to talk football was during our stint as a coach and player at Orlando Pirates. It is so good to be engaging on football with you again.
Mpho Makola: It’s been too long and it’s so good to see you again, coach Tebza. I’m happy to have had a privilege of working with you because I learned so much from you as a coach and a human being in general. It is good to catch up with you.
TM: The feeling is mutual. We were together at Bucs and travelled the continent, but now we’re both unattached after your parting of ways with Cape Town City. Should any of the teams that are campaigning in the CAF interclub competitions come for your services, what would be your response?
MM: Like you said, coach Tebza, I’m clubless and if they came for my services, I would definitely consider their advances. I mean, I still have the legs to continue playing and I would love to go and play in the Champions League again.
TM: There’s also Swallows FC and we all know how coach Ernst Middendorp likes working with experienced players. They need all the help they can get, looking at their log position.
MM: Yes, I would definitely consider them as well because Swallows is a big team with a rich history. Joining them would also mean that I will be playing at home and my experience would come in handy.
TM: From Alex United, you went on to join Free State Stars, before being snapped up by Pirates. Your journey was similar to that of Siphiwe Tshabalala. Does it always have to be about joining so-called smaller teams for boys from the townships before they can catch the eye of the so-called big guns?
MM: It is difficult to turn professional these days, but it was even tougher back then. I feel there were so many talented footballers back then, hence some of us had to go to the so-called small teams first because the so-called big teams had a lot more options. I feel players are now more comfortable and feel they’ve made it because they are on social media and enjoying a huge following. These days, it is difficult to take a player from a Gauteng township to Free State or Polokwane because they will find the adjustment a lot more difficult because they enjoy being in a comfort zone. Back then, it wasn’t about playing for a big team or being comfortable, we just wanted to play professional football and were willing to do whatever it took to realise that dream. That’s why some of us had to leave home at a young age to start our professional career in unfamiliar surroundings.
TM: That’s true. Not many would’ve seen your parting with the Citizens coming, especially after such a good combination you’ve struck with Thabo Nodada, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Thato Mokeke in that midfield.
MM: Obviously I also didn’t expect it to happen, but when you are in football, you always have to be ready for anything. Such is our life and we have to accept the situation and move on. As a footballer, you stay ready for that moment because you know it is going to happen. Honestly, I’m not sad because I believe I played my part at City and did my job to the best of my ability. I learned a lot as a player and grew so much as a human being. I have no regrets about moving to Cape Town because I really enjoyed my career and life in the Mother City. I think my numbers and stats speak for themselves. One thing I can say I’ve taken from my stay in that part of the country is the relationships I built with people I met and worked with. The players, staff, technical team and everyone I came across, they all made sure I had a time of my life. I have no regrets because this is part of football. Now I’m ready to move on and focus on my next chapter.
TM: The Soweto Derby is coming up. Any message to Bucs players?
MM: Number one: Don’t play the occasion, play the match. If you focus on the occasion, just know it will be a bad day in the office for you. Once that happens, you are going to feel like you’re in a massively big hole at FNB Stadium! Number two: Try to entertain the supporters even with the smallest of touches. Try to make sure that you start the game on the front foot and ensure that the opposition is on a backfoot. If you can do a tsamaya in the first minute of the game, please do that and it will go a long way in building your confidence and getting the supporters behind you.
TM: What’s your advice to your big friend, Kermit Erasmus?
MM: I know he’s got great technique and (is) a quality finisher. He loves scoring in a derby and I have full confidence in him making an impact. Kermit knows what it takes to win this game and he also knows very well how to handle it and himself.
TM: There was recently a lot of talk about township football. As a product of township football and tournaments, what’s your advice to youngsters on using their individual brilliance?
MM: Back in the day, we were all about talent and hard work. That was a combination of our play. A lot of guys knew they were talented, but they still worked really hard. To be honest with you, coach Tebza, it is difficult for talented players from the township to make it to the professional ranks. It is not just about talent alone. There are so many other aspects that are taken into consideration because football has gone a different direction. Now you have to be athletic, big, muscular, quick and pacey because the game is about results. My advice to talented youngsters out there is that they should protect their talent at all costs. Don’t let any coach make you play football you’re not used to or that you don’t enjoy. Stick to what you know best and what works for you. People say I changed when I turned professional, but I beg to disagree. I still kept my skill and flair as important parts of my game. I never lost my technical abilities even if the coaches wanted me to play differently. I think players need to keep that in mind because it is very important. Look at Themba Zwane, the guy has been consistently playing his own way. “Mshishi” has been playing like that since his amateur days and he just keeps improving rather than changing. That’s why it is important to remain true to yourself so that you remain unique, rather than losing your identity and looking like everyone else.
TM: Who’s impressed you so far this season in the DStv Premiership?
MM: I’m a fan of good football and I’m not going to lie, there haven’t been a lot of teams playing good football, but Mamelodi Sundowns have been impressive. Richards Bay FC’s log position and the brand of football they are playing have been impressive. Pirates are not far off as well. In terms of players who have impressed, it is difficult to tell because of lack of consistency. Mshishi has been doing well and so has Cassius (Mailula). Monnapule Saleng has been a revelation at Pirates with his consistent performances and scoring. Miguel Timm has also impressed me a lot in terms of how he can control the tempo of the game since joining Pirates.
TM: What can supporters expect to see from you next season?
MM: Coach Tebza, why are you writing me off? There’s still four months or so of football to still be played. I’m positive of securing a move in the next few weeks and continuing playing on the field. The supporters can expect to see a younger Mpho Makola, the one who used to score and create goals at Stars and Bucs.
TM: Bibo, all the best.
MM: Thanks so much, coach Tebza. I really appreciate it and it was good to catch up. ❐