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07 February 2020
When TS Sporting forward Katlego Mojela netted in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 against Ajax Cape Town on Thursday, he completed an ambition he had held for the past five years. Mojela was part of the Nedbank Cup Ke Yona team in 2015, and one of the goals he set back then was to score in the Nedbank Cup, though in truth he might have hoped it would come sooner than it has. But he is not worried by his long journey, his eye is on the final goal and that is to make a name for himself in the local game...and beyond. "I was in the Nedbank Ke Yona Team in 2015 when we played against Mamelodi Sundowns and I actually won the Man of the Match,” Mojela says. "It feels really good to have now scored in the Nedbank Cup, like a dream come true. "When you are in the Ke Yona Team, all you want is to play at this level and I am so happy that I have made it. It took me some time, but I am here."
Mojela’s goal helped his side to a 2-2 draw at the Athlone Stadium, after which they triumphed 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Last 16. "It's great, the first time for the team, we have made history and it’s a great feeling! "I took the ball well, I used my speed [to get clear of the defence] and once I saw the goalkeeper move, I took my shot. It was amazing when it went into the back of the net." Mojela admits the timing of his draft selection to Maritzburg five years ago was not good, but he is ready to launch his career to the next level and the Nedbank Cup could supply the perfect platform, as it has for so many in the past. "After the game against Sundowns I was drafted to Maritzburg United for a month. It didn't work out for me, I think because Maritzburg were fighting relegation at the time and they wanted players with more experience," he reveals.
"I went back home and played in the ABC Motsepe League with [North West] side Casric. We reached the national play-offs in Cape Town last year and that is where TS Sporting spotted me. "It feels good doing what you love. I want to see myself going far - obviously playing in the Premier League and then going overseas, that is the big dream." Mojela became the fifth Ke Yona Team graduate to score in the Nedbank Cup after Aubrey Modiba (SuperSport United), Ian Chikohwa (University of Pretoria), Bongani Mbuli (Super Eagles) and Bongani Sam (Bloemfontein Celtic).
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.