Remaining SA pair leaves Bots club || The Southern Times

By Bakang Mhaladi

Gaborone - Mthokozisi Msomi and Tshepho 'Skhwama' Matete have returned home, leaving Botswana's top-flight football league without a South African player for the first time in six seasons.

Benedict Vilakazi and Manqoba Ngwenya became the first high-profile players to sign for a Botswana club in 2013 when they joined Notwane.

However, their joy was short-lived as the club's financier, Gift Mogapi, failed to fulfil a string of promises.

Vilakazi terminated his contract and returned home but Ngwenya was snapped up by Rollers and starred for two seasons.

Former Ajax Cape Town speedy winger, Mkhanyiseli Siwahla joined Mochudi Centre Chiefs in 2016 but did not last long after failing to impress.

Last season, there was a buzz when Rollers signed dribbling wizard, Matete, well known for his YouTube video showcasing his skills, which attracted over 700,000 views. He was joined by former Bid Vest Wits striker, Msomi at Rollers.

Matete was converted into a left back, and was in sizzling form at the start of the season, but was later benched.

Msomi never got into the groove, and instead made the headlines for the wrong reasons when he was banned for 10 games, after attacking an opponent in February.

Matete and Msomi were recently released by Rollers and have since returned home. Orebotse Mongae is also back home after signing a contract with Baroka FC, meaning Botswana does not have a player in the top flight from the neighbouring country.

Instead, a number of Botswana players are heading to the Absa Premiership, who includes Kabelo Seakanyeng and Thatayaone Kgamanyane who joined Chippa United after the COSAFA Cup.

While others are checking out of the Botswana Premier League, former Highlands Park midfielder, Lebogang Ditsele has returned home.

He signed a one-year contract with Jwaneng Galaxy for next season, after failing to nail down a regular starting birth with the Highlands North outfit.

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