Free State Stars call up Given Molepo

ONLY a week after Bidvest Wits backtracked from their offer to sign him, Given Milingoni Molepo will now don the red and white of Free State Stars when the second semester of the MultiChoice Diski Challenge kicks off later this year.

This is after Stars’ MultiChoice Diski team coach, Themba Sithole, snatched up Molepo’s signature after only a week of training with the Bethlehem based club.

Born and bred in Mmotong-Mamoriswane, Molepo’s skills were nurtured at the Limpopo Sports School of Excellence. He thanked his former coach, Hendrick Mukwevho, for making him the player he is today.

“I almost lost hope and gave up, but coach Mukwevho told me age was still on my side. Because I love football, It felt like my breakthrough would never come. In the end God came through for me and this is just the beginning,” Molepo said.

Molepo, who will turn 21 in May this year, was once on the books of the now defunct Phungo FC, which was a feeder club for Black Leopards. He reckoned that the experience he gained playing in the SAB Castle League would help him settle down at his new club.

“As a defender I faced tough strikers while playing for Phungo FC and I believe that I have gained experience that will help me cement my place at Stars. I know I have to work hard to break into the team. Only hard work and dedication will get me to where I want to be,” he said.

Nicknamed ‘Mahindra’ for his no-nonsense tackles; Molepo became the third player from the Limpopo Sports School of Excellence to sign at a Premier League club.

Molepo’s best friend Phuthi Chokoe and Ronald Mabidi are both on the books of Polokwane City FC.