Thapelo s’online interview continues ,when we asked him ,what challenges he faced during his football journey, replied having to balance football and school was his biggest challenge because he never see himself as anything except as a professional footballer, but at the same time he knew and understood the importance of education, so it was very difficult on his side,but he thanked God because he managed to acquire his Human Resources Management Degree at Northwest University ,Mafikeng ,where he was in a Scholarship program called Soccer Institute, were he got exposed in the tournament called Varsity Cup and the tournament was televised on Supersports Channels, where he got spotted by the man called Tebogo Ramasilo of Atlegang Sports Project ,who offered to became his Agent and went take him for trial at Jomo Cosmos ,where the Legendary Jomo Sono signed him after 2 days on trial ,by far his happiest moment of his Career.Personally his favourite football idol is Teko Modise ,because regarding him as the Best Player in South African Professional football he d’ seen with his eyes of Grace,also told us Teko was a marvel to watch ,when he played ,always remembered him when South Africa was playing Cameroon at Olimpia Park Stadium .He was on form that day ,dominated and controlled the tempo of the game, also scored a Brace ,same night also was inspired by Benny McCarthy S’ Dress Code ,laughs said the man was an Italian beke le beke.Thapelo told us the difference between South African and Botswana Premier Leagues ,in Botswana defenders don’t give you a chance to breath, said they are tough and close you down quickly ,also they are very tight,cried said they don’t have good facilities ,insisted it encourages you as a player to work harder under difficult situations for example your first touch must be on point ,also the difficult situation helps you grow,remuneration wise ,him personally think they can do better if they can stop with the mentality of treating football as a hobby ,but says it starts with understanding that some families depends on it,said players must be paid better for the standard of the league grow .Thapelo s’ Ambitions as a player ,is to play for one of the Biggest Teams in South Africa preferably Mamelodi Sundowns Fc,also play for National team ,one day also play in China or Arab League.Regarding His Achievements
*Won 2013 SAB League Championship and Top goal scorer of the league With Platinum Stars Fc
*2016 Varsity Cup Semifinalists and top scorer of NWU (Mafikeng)
*Security Systems second top goal scorer 2018 (Botswana Premier League )
According to Thapelo his favourite mentor ,his Father Gideon Ratsie ,whose currently coach at Dikwena SAB League side in Royal Bafokeng sports, Repeatedly said his father ,his favourite, because his been there from the start and witnessed him grow as a player and most importantly as a person ,highlighted he always encourages him to think outside football ,his by far one of the people who played a role in him attaining his degree, he would go to the extent of sending him toiletries while was in University. He remembered when he attained his degree and it was his graduations, the man took him shopping to get nice casual outfit ,because he understood how much he love to look fashionable ,happily said he will be always grateful for him.Thapelo in 3 years s’time,he sees himself playing in one of the above mentioned leagues and regular in Bafana Squad.
For him the difference between his previous teams and currently ,previous the competition was high ,because he played with the likes of Linda Mtambo and Mxolisi Machupu ,the intensity was always high at training and just being coached by Jomo Sono was a motivation on its own,as all know the man holds the highest rank interms of producing players ,It was Amazing experience, so as far as the current team the competition is little lower,because of lack of facilities, hinted is not easy at all.The person motivates him to do better every day, it has to be his Queen (mother), she always encourages him to be better and not just as a footballer but as person itself and it also help friends who like Brothers to him back home the likes of Lindani Dudula and the son of the Legendary the Late Philemon Masinga (MHSRIP),Sifiso Masinga ,they always keep him on his toes and encouraging him to be better version of himself, there in Botswana ,he met a team mate who became a brother to him Michael Pillar Midfielder Maestro, he will always speaks positive thoughts in either football or life in General ,a very humble guy .Encouraging words regarding upcoming youngsters, said they must be patient, because at times it takes too long and hurts along the way but most importantly, they must work harder and stay discipline, because there is no use of being patient while you not giving your all to the game and to also remain humble when they reach higher stages in the game.
Thapelo s ‘ thoughts regarding online interview News,I think your online publication is a very good initiative, because it allows our supporters to get know ,where we all started concerning the game and what keeps us going, which can be helpful to understand persuing this beautiful game and thank the publication for giving me the opportunity to tell people my story.
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