Becoming a pro goalie is young Oleseng’s dream
Although he started as an ordinary striker, he said as he developed, he became more gravitated towards catching the ball than simply kicking it.
Oleseng Motlhabane, 15, said because he has all the aspirations to become a professional goalkeeper in the West Rand and beyond, he will keep improving his skills.
Oleseng, whose interest in soccer started at a very tender age said nothing will stand in the way of reaching his dreams.
He is being trained by a retired soccer player, Bongani ‘Ace’ Duiker, founder of the Super Tigers Football Club.
The youngster told the Herald he wants to follow in Ace’s footsteps and wants the spirit of soccer to stay alive among teenagers like himself.
“I want to encourage many others to turn to soccer. Do not be glued to gadgets such as cellphones,” Oleseng said.
He said he never misses training, but has made sure to strike a balance between his books and the pitch.
Although he started as an ordinary striker, he said as he developed, he became more gravitated towards catching the ball than simply kicking it.
“You do get time to breathe during the game but your reflexes have to be really quick – you must always have the ability to read the opponent’s next move so that you can quickly act in time and save your team,” Oleseng said.
He added that being a goalkeeper is not simply about diving for the fast-approaching ball. One has to have the ability to anticipate the movements of the ball-carrier.
“You may know how to dive, but you also need to do it in time and make contact with the ball by slowing it down and changing its trajectory, or simply catching it. You have to master this because you don’t want to jump too early or react too late,” he explained.
