The man behind Tshepang Moremi’s rise to stardom
“I never doubted his potential, and I knew one day he was going to be a great player because he always loved football."
SHARPEVILLE.- Everyone is talking about Tshepang Moremi.
The Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana sensation is currently the pride of the Vaal, lighting up South African football with his skill. But while the cameras follow the star, one man stands in the shadows: the coach, mentor, friend, and father figure who started it all.
Paul ‘Tsimo’ Motsepe is the man who discovered this shining diamond on the dusty streets of Sharpeville. Back then, Motsepe knew the boy had talent; little did he know that one day he would make headlines in South African football.
Moremi’s rise to the top was not an easy ride.
Like many young people in the community, he faced many hurdles, however, his perseverance and Motsepe’s steady guidance saw him achieve his childhood dream of playing top-flight football.
Moremi began his journey at Sharpeville Benfica FC under the leadership of Motsepe. He was one of the youngsters who played for SAFA Sedibeng, formerly SAFA Vaal U14 Transnet Tournament hosted by Vaal. He was also part of the SAFA Sedibeng U15 Regional Squad that lost to SAFA Johannesburg in the final of the SAFA L2010 Legacy Junior Tournament held at Eldorado Park Stadium in 2013.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Motsepe, who holds a prestigious CAF Coaching License, recalled Moremi’s work ethic.
“I never doubted his potential, and I knew one day he was going to be a great player because he always loved football. He never showed any interest in anything except football. I’m so happy he reached his potential. Playing for Pirates and Bafana Bafana is the cherry on top. He has been outstanding since he joined the PSL.”
Motsepe, who now serves as the Technical Officer for the Emfuleni Local Football Association (ELFA), expressed his pride in seeing Moremi move from AmaZulu to the legendary Orlando Pirates.
