SEBOKENG.- Solly Nketle is one of the Vaal-based soccer players who made a name for himself in top-flight football playing for the now-defunct Vaal Professional and Bloemfontein Celtics.

At 46, he looks like he can still play at the highest level of football. He was one of the no-nonsense defenders in the PSL who left his opponents sprawling on the ground after a tackle.

Q: Are you officially retired from top-flight football?

A: Yes, a long time ago but I am still actively playing for the masters’ soccer league here in Sedibeng. Football is my life and I’m still passionate about this game.

Q: How do you feel seeing that both the teams you played for are no longer part of South African football?

A: It is sad because these two teams were part of South African football history, especially Bloem Celtics. It was more than a football club but was a culture for those who supported the club. If I had money, I could have brought this club back to PSL.

Q: What do you think about Sedibeng not having a club in top-flight football?

A: I can’t believe that even today we are still without a team in PSL and even semi-professional football. Everyone can attest to this, Vaal has talent but I can’t tell what is the problem with having a professional soccer club.

Q: As a former professional football player, who is the greatest player you have played alongside?

A: I think I played with quite several good players both at Vaal Professionals and Bloem Celtics.

Q: What are your plans as a former professional player?

A: I’m involved in several community projects, and hosting a Sports Show at VUT FM will go down as one of the projects I enjoyed. I was doing what I love and know which is football.