The 17-year-old soccer starlet from Potchefstroom Boys’ High, Lesego Bodigelo, took a big leap in his football journey when he represented the North-West University Tawana side this year.
This is a fantastic achievement, considering Lesego is still in matric at PBHS and competing against some of the top players in the province as part of the NWU Tawana-side.
“It all started when the coach, Michael Seleka (head coach of NWU Tawana), spotted me at Bokone Football Club. I was then invited to train with the team and, in May this year, I played my first match for the university. It’s been a year where I’ve improved my game a lot under him. My self-confidence has improved tremendously. I know if I give my best and pray, the rest will follow,” says Lesego, who is a skilled two-footed player.
To date, Lesego, who weaves his magic on the right wing as an attacker, has played in four official games for the NWU and plans to study at the university in the field of communication and media next year.
Lesego’s journey has been quite a rollercoaster but he has never given up on his dream of playing professionally one day. He started playing in the streets as a goalkeeper but switched to right wing after locals saw his talent.
“I grew up in Dassierand. It was tough when my parents divorced. At first, my mom didn’t approve of me playing football as she thought I would get hurt or get into trouble. Eventually, she started seeing my love and passion for the sport and now she is one of my biggest supporters.
“My dream is to play in France or England. I know a lot of people say those are big dreams, but you need to have a vision of where you want to be. Even if I don’t make it overseas, I can always make a name for myself in the Premier Soccer League locally,” explains the astute right winger.
Lesego’s heroes include former Boys’ High learner, Keegan Dolly, and Liverpool star, Sadio Mané, who are both two exceptional wingers.
“My top-four wingers in world football must be Sadio Mané, Neymar from Brazil, Percy Tau and Keagan Dolly. I like to watch the best players as I can get tips from their style of play and use it in my own game,” says Lesego, proudly wearing his Orlando Pirates shirt ahead of the annual Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
“I love Pirates. I come from a family of Chiefs supporters and my dad urged me to support Amakhosi. In grade 7, I decided rather to support Pirates as I liked their style of play.”
Lesego’s hard-working mentality, love for the game and keen observational skills will surely reap the rewards.
If all goes according to plan, the name “Bodigelo” might be on many a football supporter’s lips sooner than later and on the back of their supporters’ jerseys.
