Local footballer helps home club gets promoted
"I always loved this sport and began playing for local teams since I was eight and won many medals from different tournaments."
Local goalkeeper Thabang Makgatho believes his career is going in the right direction after helping his club to gain promotion to the ABC Motsepe League.
Makgatho (25) played a huge role this season to ensure that Newcastle, from Mamelodi, gained promotion from the SAB League, into the third-tier league which is the ABC Motsepe League.
Speaking to Rekord, the shot-stopper said he felt confident going into the new season and hoped his dream move to the top league would materialise.
“I felt good during the season; played a total of 17 games including play-off matches, which ultimately saw us promoted last weekend. I was quite impressed with my performance and hopefully I can take it into the new season,” he said.
Makgatho said his dream was to move to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“Moving to the PSL or Glad Africa Championship is my dream. I want to improve and help Newcastle to reach new heights and, hopefully, my big break will come soon,” he said.
Growing up in Mamelodi, Makgatho said his dream was to be a professional footballer.
“I have always loved this sport and began playing for local teams since I was eight and won many medals from various tournaments.”
Three years ago, Makgatho was in the books of Glad Africa Championship side JDR Stars.
Things, however, didn’t work out.
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“I left JDR Stars over three years ago and joined Thaba Tshwane in the SAB league. After one season, I moved back to Newcastle last year and helped the side gain promotion after we put in the hard work,” he said.
He credited goalkeeper coach Reggie Nare for his development.
Makgatho urged youngsters in the community to be involved in sports.
“I want to warn the youth of Mamelodi of the dangers of drugs and crime,” he said.
“They destroy lives. Rather get involved in sport.”
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