Thabiso Semenya holds on to his dream
He explains that apart from his family, soccer is his life and says the best part is that he gets to do what he loves and it is very fulfilling.
POLOKWANE – It is through sheer determination and a refusal to give up on his dream that Thabiso Semenya has played centre back for Platinum Stars FC since 2011.
“I grew up in Moletje and did not really have any experience with soccer.
I attended the University of Limpopo to study for a BSc, majoring in geology and this was where I met a player from Kaizer Chiefs.
The Cargo Sports Academy is situated there and I started to practice with them. I then decided that I could have a career playing soccer.”
After that he moved to Mpumalanga where he played in the Vodacom League for Mpumalanga Highlanders FC.
This was in 2003 and he played for them until 2006. After that he moved to Barberton where he played for the Barberton City Stars and worked in a mine.
In 2008 he went to National Playoffs in Krugersdorp and it was here that he was spotted by the Free State Stars FC.
Photo: The Namibian
“They had a sister club, Carara Kicks FC where I went to play in and here I played National First Division for three years. Then I was chosen for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) team.”
He explains that apart from his family, soccer is his life. “It is bad when you are injured and out of the game for a few months.
The best is that I get to do what I love and it is very fulfilling. While I play I do not think of other things. And we travel a lot which is nice.”
As a seasoned soccer player, Thabiso has advice for other, younger players.
“Never give up on your dream. It looks as if it is easy, but it is not and it takes a lot of hard work.
It took me years to get into the PSL. You play a lot and keep on hoping that the right people will notice you at the right time.”
