Soccer stars pay tribute to Ramohlale
Renowned soccer coach, Jerry Ramohlale, who died last week, created a platform for aspiring soccer players in the province to play the sport professionally.
LIMPOPO – Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender, Tlou Molekwane told BONUS he could have been a ‘nyaope boy’ (drug addict) if Jerry Ramohlale did not introduce him to soccer at an early age. Ramohlale was also a teacher and created a platform for aspiring soccer players in the province to play the sport professionally.
He committed his life to identifying and nurturing talent among the youth from rural areas.
The Seshego-born soccer star was paying tribute to renowned soccer coach, Jerry Ramohlale, who died last week: “I did not have much growing up and soccer gave me a better life. I am from an area where young people are engulfed by the fray of social ills and substance abuse and I was able to avoid that thanks to Ramohlale. Soccer gave me a life that I never imagined. I was able to build two houses for my family in Seshego and also married the love of my life thanks to the game. I could not have achieved that if it was not for Ramohlale.
“He started the Tshiamo Football Academy in Mankweng decades ago and most of the players from the academy were able to attract professional clubs in the Premier Soccer League”.
“He taught us life and social skills. He instilled discipline and created a strong foundation in all of us. Most of the professional players from his academy are captains in their respective teams,” Molekwane said.
Other notable players from the academy include Vincent Kobola (former Bafana Bafana and Moroka Swallows defender), Edgar Manaka (former Polokwane City midfielder), Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Captain of Kaizer Chiefs Football Club), Richard Rantjie (former SuperSport United midfielder) and Hlompho Kekana (Captain of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club).
Kekana described Ramohlale as a father figure and passionate soccer coach.
“He is the one who gave me an opportunity to taste professional soccer. We have lost a giant. This is the man who created a platform for most players in the province to thrive and show their talent to the world. He lived for the game and we learned a lot from him. I will forever be grateful to him for giving me an opportunity to play at top level.”
