Moletsane: I Don't Take It For Granted
By Malose Wa Ga Lamola
Katlego Moletsane, a goalkeeper at the University of Fort Hare, tells ShakingInk that being named one of the top goalkeepers in the Hollywoodbets Super League is motivation enough to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
Moletsane has been nominated in the best goalkeeper of the season category, alongside Banyana Banyana teammates Kaylin Swart of JVW Girls Football and Dineo Magagula of TS Galaxy Queens. Moletsane won the Hollywoodbets Super League Goalkeeper of the Season title for the 2021/2022 season. Moletsane, often known as 'China,' says being nominated against Swart and Magagula demonstrates how hard she has worked to improve her game.
"It is always a pleasure to be nominated, and I do not take it for granted, especially given the level of goalkeepers in this nation. Having previously won it, this nomination seems as important since it demonstrates consistency and hard effort throughout the seasons. I'm very pleased of them, and their performance speaks volumes about the strength and depth of goalkeeping in South African women's football." Moletsane said.
In the recently concluded season, the University of Fort Hare has outperformed expectations. Finishing fourth in the log standings, 18 points behind the title winners, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Moletsane is proud with the team's efforts, but she believes there is still potential for development.
"I believe the season accurately represented the team's development and character. We were in ninth place in the season, which was a challenging situation, but everyone's dedication and the team's belief got us to this point. We were really proud of our defensive efforts, and I personally felt that the team effort in front of me was the reason I finished as the second goalie on the clean sheet list." Moletsane proudly elaborated.
Goalkeeping is a fantastic position in sport. Only one person can play at a time, and the competition to be a fixture in that position is always tough. Moletsane inspires ShakingInk by revealing the friendship among Banyana Banyana goalkeepers.
At the national level, everyone understands what the emblem means, and it always comes before personal goals. Yes, only one goalie plays, but the environment we've created and learned to value is centered on respect, honesty, and pushing each other to improve every day/camp. There is true support and trust among us. Whoever receives the nod knows they have the complete support of the group." Moletsane said.
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'China' was a member of the Banyana Banyana squad that advanced to the knockout stage of the Women's FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Tshwane-born star believes Coach Desiree Ellis' charges can replicate 2022 continental success and bring the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy home. She assesses Banyana's prospects of winning Group B, where they compete against Burkina Faso, Tanzania, and Cote d'Ivoire. Moletsane is confident Banyana can win the WAFCON title again.
"There are no easy games at that level, and our group opponents all have unique strengths and problems. Some are really physical, while others are tactically disciplined or technically good, so preparation and game management will be critical for us. We respect every team in our group, but we also believe in our own identity and the accomplishments Banyana Banyana has made over the years. We can go deep into the competition if we stay focused, disciplined, and faithful to what we worked for in previous competitions." Sealed Moletsane.
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