Picture: Former Taung Mega Stars FC player, Thembelani Majingo/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Taung Mega Stars FC and now-defunct Platinum Stars FC player, Thembelani Majingo (24) have joined a newly promoted team, Holy Ghost Sporting FC that plies its trade in Botswana’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Majingo, who was a free agent after parting ways with ABC Motsepe League-based team, Taung Mega Stars FC, signed a one-year deal with the Holy Ghost Sporting FC during the start of the season.
The Madibogo-born midfielder’s team is hovering in the relegation zone and accumulated only 19 points out of 22 games. However, Majingo said, he is adamant that, his team will survive the wielding axe.
“It feels great to be back on the playing field after missing in action for some time. I have been missing those moments of being a professional footballer. However, what is important is that I have hit the ground running.
“Remember, it is not easy to establish yourself in a new country with a totally different environment and setup. However, I am adjusting well and the reception was amazing. I am happy because actually this is not my first time playing at the higher level,” he said.
Majingo further said, what is important is grabbing every opportunity coming his way. He added that the competition is high in the league, and as a player, one needs to be disciplined, dedicated, and determined at all times.
“The league here is competitive and everything runs professionally. So, my advice to those who want to make it here, they will need to double their efforts. There is an abundance of talent and that should inspire young players, who consider playing professional football in Botswana,” said Majingo.
He also said, the technical team has made it easier for him to adapt to the ‘style of play’ at the club.
Meanwhile, Majingo, who established Thembelani Majingo Foundation to groom grassroots players a few years back said, he continues to forge ahead with his idea.
“This is our fourth year hosting a football tournament under the foundation. So, we are getting there and we managed to invite other stakeholders from various sectors.
“We also managed to increase our teams from 8 to 16 and had affiliations as far as Rustenburg and Mahikeng. The growing trend of this tournament shows that, indeed we are doing things right,” he said.
Majingo lauded the North West Social Development, South African Police Services (SAPS), and other stakeholders for their unwavering support during the tournament. He said it was with great pleasure to announce that, their tournament has been fully registered under the North West Social Development.
“Remember, the grassroots sport is the bedrock of the communities and offers so much more than just the sport. There are tremendous opportunities it presents such as addressing socio-economic challenges, especially facing the youth.
“We have teenage pregnancy, alcohol, and drug abuse, high-level rate of unemployment amongst the youth, and HIV-AIDS challenges that need to be addressed. So, we invite various stakeholders to come and share their expertise in various subjects,” said Majingo.
He said, learning new skills strengthen community bonds, so he invites anyone who would want to be involved to come forward in enabling the North West community going forward.
The Guardian 