It's not easy to play for his team

Polokwane City defender Sapholwethu Kelepu did not pay his dues, he overpaid them. The 26-year-old started his career in high school before working his way to the Betway Premiership. This season he has been slowly but surely establishing himself in Phuti Mohafe's team, making 10 appearances across all competitions. Soccer Laduma's Siya Gijana conversed with the defender about his journey from amateur level to the Betway Premiership. The Lady Frere-born footballer also spoke about his injury setback, his PSL debut against Orlando Pirates, his objectives and more.

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Siya Gijana: "Mahoota," thank you for your time. How has your season been so far?

Sapholwethu Kelepu: I think it's been a disappointing season for me compared to last season in terms of getting regular game time at Tuks.

Last season I played more than 20 games, but in this campaign I haven't featured much. I think I played nine or 10 games, so it's been a bad season so far.

SG: Before we get deep into our conversation, let's talk about where your football career began and how it progressed until now.

SK: I grew up in a small village called Esigangeni, Lady Frere (in the Eastern Cape). I started taking football seriously at Fremantle High School for Boys I played in Transnet and Coca-Cola tournaments. When I was in Grade 10 or 11, I joined Amavarara FC in the SAB Regional League (now Hollywoodbets Regional League) in 2016. The following year, we were promoted to the ABC Motsepe League. I was doing Grade 12 at the time, and it was not easy because I had to attend classes and winter school at the same time. During that period, we were also participating in the play-offs. It was difficult multitasking my education with football. My journey wasn't easy.

From SAB until now, it's been a difficult and long journey. I want to keep playing where I am (right now). I was at Amavarara from LFA (Local Football Association) to the ABC Motsepe League, then I was signed by TS Sporting (in the Motsepe Foundation Championship). Then I went to AmaTuks, and now I'm at Polokwane City.

SG: Lady Frere, Eastern Cape. It's very rare to hear that there's a PSL player coming from there. Did you always believe that you would make it to the Betway Premiership?

SK: Since I was young, I always hoped that one day I would make it to the professional level. I always told my friends that "One day, you're going to watch me on TV." I had a belief that I would make it to the top.