Stitch believes Rand West can produce pro’s
Black Leopards midfielder from Mohlakeng believes Mohlakeng and Randfontein are capable of having their own professional soccer outfit.
It was at the age of six that Karabo Stitch Tshepe discovered his magical soccer talent that has since gone on to dazzle opponents and entertain soccer fans.
Stitch is a former Randfontein High School (RHS) learner and also a Black Leopards midfielder in the National First Division based in Venda. He has been at many Greater Randfontein Easter Soccer Tournaments, where his skills had local soccer fans going crazy.
During his primary school years, he attended Tswelelo and Randfontein Primary Schools, followed by RHS and then Westcol, where he studied mechanical engineering.
“My first amateur teams were Napoli, Junior Birds and Gustav.” He also had a stint in the pro ranks with the Kaizer Chiefs Development side from 2004 to 2006, then played in the Sundowns Reserve side from 2006 to 2009 before the Black Leopards where he had a run in the Professional Soccer League.
It was at Black Leopards that Stitch experienced playing all over the continent, which is known for its hostile reception to visiting teams.
“We played in many countries like Zimbabwe, Sudan, Congo and Nigeria.”
He is maintains that the socio-political challenges facing South Africa are hard to fathom; however, SA is still better than the other African countries.
“When in a country like Nigeria, which battles with overpopulation, you will be frustrated by traffic jams, the unsuitable hotels with bad food allocated to accommodate the visitors by the local organising committee of the opposition federation, the undrinkable water, the bad bus transport with no air-conditioning, travelling on bad roads and the extremely hot conditions, all of which have a negative influence on us prior to the game. For example, on one occasion in Sudan, a group of residents invaded the pitch for a prayer while we were training.”
Stitch is the son of a well-known pastor in Mohlakeng, Chris Tshepe. Stitch has gone out of his way to play a friendly six-a-side soccer game with the residents of the Bosasa Youth Centre with community activist Mandla Hamnca, and also gave a motivational talk to the youth, telling them that there is a second chance in life.
Last year he organised the Delucho High School Challenge played by Rand West City high schools, including AB Phokompe, Phahama, Lukhanyo, Thuto Lehakwe and RHS.
He also said that Mohlakeng and Randfontein are capable of having their own professional soccer outfit.
“This can be achieved. We have plenty of talent in our townships, but our local tycoons need to put their heads together and support us.”
His advice for those who want to make it to top flight soccer is to have a big heart.
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