Botswana international midfielder, Maano Ditshupo has said that South Africa players’ influence in the professionalism of Botswanan football is undeniable. Even though it is something which has taken time to establish and grow.
Benedict Vilakazi, Manqoba Ngwenya and Tsepo Matete, just to mention few, are some of the players who have graced the Botswana Premier League in the past few years. Currently, two former Orlando Pirates stars, Rooi Mahamutsa and Sifiso Myeni are plying their trades in the country’s first division side VTM FC.
Former Platinum Stars player, Thembelani Majingo has recently joined Holy Ghost Sporting as reported by this publication. Kaizer Chiefs product Sizwe Twala is also pursuing his career at Gaborone United in the Premier League.
Ditshupo, a former player of top team, Township Rollers in the BPL, and currently playing in the colours of Morupule Wanderers FC, believes that having several SA players in his country is a blessing, and that it will change their football standard.
“Here we are still developing our football with players coming from South Africa making it more possible for stakeholders to take notice of our football,” Ditshupo told Thisisfootball.Africa.
“We are still trying to get money into football, and we need stakeholders to come and help to invest in football. And with players coming from SA, I believe it will become better and better to get stakeholders.
“This proves that there is a big difference between the leagues and the South Africa’s PSL. A huge difference. PSL teams have the financial muscle, infrastructure, and the professionalism is higher.”
The 38-year-old midfielder has also added that every player in Botswana wishes to play in South Africa to gain more experience that can boost Botswana national team’s quality.
“That’s why It’s always a motivation to go and play in SA. It’s a more professional setup than here and even our national team benefit from that,” added Ditshupo.
“It’s every player’s dream to go and play in a professional setup. They improve their lives and their families and as I said it also helps the national team.”
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