A young footballer is set to reach the stars after signing with Mpumalanga’s TS Galaxy Football Club (FC).

Bedfordview resident and former Corinthians Football Club player, Lesedi Motha, was over the moon upon finding out the transfer had been completed.

“The feelings were mutual; I think TS Galaxy FC had gone through a lot of effort and they went out of their way to show that they wanted me. So it all felt natural, right and in perfect timing,” said Motha.

Motha first shared the good news with his family and friends, who had supported him throughout his journey. He said he was especially grateful to his mother, Pearl Motha, and his grandmother. “I know their prayers keep me safe,” he added.

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For Motha, it was a no-brainer when TS Galaxy came for him because it’s no secret that they’re one of the biggest clubs in terms of nurturing talent.

“Once a player is mature enough within the structures of the club, they allow him to move to bigger, better, greener pastures, whether that’s overseas or moving to the big three teams in SA,” he said.

Motha said his goal at his new club is to remain true to himself while bringing flair, personality, goals, and assists to the team.

“That will contribute to helping the team win matches, compete on all fronts and in every competition, and maintain its status as a household name in South African football. Personally, I also want to make a name for myself on the biggest stage in South African football,” he said.

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Motha looks forward to learning a lot from their head coach Bernard Parker, whom he terms a South African legend.

Looking back, Motha cannot remember a time when football wasn’t a thing for him.

“I remember being a toddler in a walker, and I was chasing a football around the house and the yard.

“Then transitioned to playing on the streets with people in the neighbourhood. From there I was playing school soccer. When I turned 10/11, I joined organised football through Corinthians FC, at the Greek Sporting Club,” he described.

Motha acknowledged his mother as both his biggest supporter and his biggest critic.

Seeing her chase her own dreams, in the form of her Master’s and PHD, and the sleepless nights, instilled in Motha a certain mentality that nothing would be given and that if you work hard, the sky is the limit and the world is truly yours.

He added, “That rubbed off into my football a lot. So before any coach had ever poured any tactical or technical information or lessons into me, that always came first. And that helped me on and off the field. It’s one of the reasons why I made it where I am so far.”

The rising footballer also paid tribute to his coach, Mogale, whom he credited with instilling in him the belief that he could become the best player on his team and, ultimately, one of the best in the country.

Working under him, Motha transitioned into the youth national team, making the U17 national team at age 15 in 2019. From then on, Motha said he started to perceive himself differently, and his perspective on football really changed. He believed in himself more, worked hard and stayed diligent.

For Motha, achievements are building blocks or more like climbing up a ladder. Each one puts you closer to the next one. The achievement that stands out is his making his senior professional debut at the tender age of 17, which is quite rare in South African football.

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Outside the football pitch, Motha is an outgoing person who believes a lot in the power of Ubuntu.

He added, “The power of pouring into people and people pouring into you; hence I still check up on the academy where I’m from, which is the AmaTux Academy and pouring back into the young ones and giving a lot of advice and guidance, which I also got.”

Motha also hangs out with like-minded friends who inspire him, such as his former classmate Sinesipho Dambile, who is the fastest 200m athlete in the country.

To young footballers, Motha said the cliché of working hard and believing in yourself is still valid.

Motha often reflects on advice he once received: that you need to give people a reason to remember you.

He said he carries that mindset into every game and training session.

“That philosophy is reflected in the way I play – my style, flair and swagger. It’s part of who I am. At the end of the day, yes, we’re footballers, but we’re also entertainers. We’re competing with people in the music industry, with actors, films and the entertainment industry as a whole.

“We need to give people a reason to spend their hard-earned money to come to the stadium and enjoy a show. So I don’t just see myself as a footballer, but as an entertainer.”