Katlego Mtwisha, Orlando Pirates reserve side player, knew he was destined to become a soccer player from the first gift he ever received, a soccer ball.
“Soccer is a calling and a career like any other career. You need to work hard to be the best soccer player and I’m passionate about soccer,” said Mtwisha, a Cyrildene resident.
The soccer star has been with Orlando Pirates since 2014. He finished high school last year and his plans are to focus on his soccer career and be the best at what he does.
Mtwisha said he has always motivated himself to reach his goals. “I did not have any role model growing up because I was my own role model. I always told myself that I can be the best I can be and no one else.”
He said soccer is a challenging sport and requires dedication and hard work. “Things may not go the way you plan in soccer. You need to be patient and have a heart because it’s not easy to break into the footballer fraternity.”
Mtwisha said his journey has not been easy because his parents at first did not understand why soccer could be a career, but he made them see and understand his passion for the game. “Soccer is my passion and now my parents understand that. I’m grateful for Orlando Pirates to afford me this opportunity to play on big platforms and be exposed to the world of professional soccer. Now I’m working my way up to Premier Soccer League.”
He said his motto in life is simple. “Don’t expect anything in life, wake up each and every day and see it as a challenge to go and achieve your goal. That way you don’t get disappointed when things don’t go your way. I would advise young people to have patience in order to achieve their dreams.”
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