Praise for ‘top class’ Velaphi

Chakalisa Dube | Saturday June 24, 2023 06:00

Sikwane was recently appointed CEO of the Tanzanian elite side Singida Fountain Gate FC. Velaphi has established himself as one of the most trusted players in the national team over the last two years. “We have talent that is good enough to play anywhere. Velaphi is a top class defender; he can play anywhere in Africa. He can play in France, Belgium, he's top class,” Sikwane said when asked about the players he believes can make it in Tanzania and beyond. He added that Gaborone United’s (GU) Mothusi Johnson and Jwaneng Galaxy forward Thabang Sesinyi also have the potential to make the cut abroad. “Johnson has matured, Sesinyi is intelligent, Thatayaone Kgamanyane (from GU) can score goals here.

He (Kgamanyane) needs to return to his old self. A young Omatla Kebatho would do great, Visage also, Benson Mangolo, an intelligent player, massive talent. We have very good players like (Tebogo) Kopelang and Johnson but mental strength is the determinant. If we had a Mogogi (Gabonamong) kind of player, that's why I chose the tenacity of Velaphi above all. He's got age, talent, grit and intelligence,” Sikwane said. He also adds Botswana has exceptional administrators who can flourish on the international stage. “Sidney Magagane is qualified; he's got experience already. Bobby Mathe is one for the future, highly intelligent, let's inculcate him in the national set-up, Nandos Koko too, involve him. He is smart and open-hearted. I think Keletso Thekiso at Galaxy is going to be great, watch out for her. Olefile Gofaone at VTM, Mpho Sephiri at Gilport, are brilliant girls. Bobo Moswaane is a genius of business development, high pedigree, an unorthodox thinker. I don't know anyone close to that genius. These are future stars in administration. Let's bring them closer, they can add value.” “If you don't use them, they will go elsewhere and we become parochial.

Tsholo Setlhoko at the BFA has matured; she's a pragmatist, highly experienced. She can work anywhere in the world and she will soon go.” Sikwane was also full of praise for Eleven Angeles coach, Seemo Mpatane and believes that he should be given an extra role in the national team set-up. “Call him at national teams, let's say Under-20, Under-23, like we used to do with Sam Sono. Exceptional talent, a genius. I told the (BFA) president (Maclean Letshwiti) the Galaxy coach is by far the coach of the season but Mpatane deserves the president's award. He's rising and let’s appreciate him. Let's build him. Let's be intentional about his development.”