Limpopo based side, Baroka FC, which campaigns in the National First Division (NFD), has snapped up one of the stars of the Castle Lager Football Development Academy.
Academy graduate, Thabang ‘Lelo’ Mothogwane,who was part of the Castle SuperStars team that recently completed advanced training at the Balfour Park Alexandra Football Club grounds, ascribed his rise to stardom to the Castle Lager Football Development Academy.
Mothogwane, who hails from Mamelodi Gardens in Tshwane, was identified in the nationwide scouting that took place in 2014. He was among the 45 players who were selected to join the academy camp trials last month.
After making the 23-man squad known as the Castle Academy SuperStars, the former Sampadoria FC defender who hopes to emulate Kaizer Chiefs player, Tsepo Masilela, put on a solid defence at the right back position in the matches the SuperStars played against NFD and Premier Soccer League teams.
“If it was not for the Castle Lager Academy, I don’t think I would be where I am today. It’s an honor for me because I have always dreamed of playing professional football, and being signed by a NFD side is a step closer to the highest level in the country. All I have to do now is keep working hard, stay humble and the rest will happen in time,” he said.
He made his debut for Baroka FC when the side took on the Richards Bay-based side, Thanda Royal Zulu in a league match on 10 February at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
