Lawrence Molekwane was a surprise call up to Bafana Bafana squad back in 2007, despite being a regular in the Under-17 development. However it took another five years before the Kaizer Chiefs development product made his debut for the first team. In this interview, “Spanner” speaks about competing with Captain, Jimmy Tau and what he is doing back home in Seshego as part of giving back to the community.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?


XRAY

Tlou Molekwane: I want to see myself playing in Europe and playing for Bafana Bafana. If I am not in Europe then I should be playing - week in and week out - for the Glamour Boys.

Hola Puse! What contribution are you doing back home in Seshego to help other youngsters to achieve their goals of playing football at the highest level?


Kgabo Makhurana

Kaizerchiefs.com: Is Puse your nickname?

Tlou Molekwane: (Laughing) ‘Puse’ like ‘Spanner’ is one of my nicknames back home. I have lots of nicknames.

Kgabo, in December last year together with my friend and fellow professional, Vincent Kobola we organised a tournament. We are hoping to make it bigger this year. Last year’s tournament was an open tournament and did not cater for the youngsters. This year we are hoping to have age restriction to accommodate the younger players.

How do you feel not being in the starting 11 at the moment?


Lamkelo Jaxa

Tlou Molekwane: It’s not nice, not at all! That I have to admit but I accept and respect the coach’s decision, as he is preferring skipper, Jimmy Tau on the right back position at the moment. I am working hard at training waiting for my chance. When it comes, I will grab it with both hands. I am now giving support to the captain and the team that is selected to do the job on the field.

I believe so much in you, with little bit of motivation you can go very far…


Sphamandla Katangana

Tlou Molekwane: You do not need motivation to be a player at Kaizer Chiefs…donning the gold and black is motivation itself! I am motivated and all I need is support from the Club supporters. I have always had a good relationship with our supporters and they encourage me all the time, something I appreciate as a player. Thank you for the compliment.

What can we expect from you at Kaizer Chiefs?


Nombulelo Mbele

Tlou Molekwane: Hard work. If I work hard and make a contribution to the team - that will put a smile on the faces of the multitudes of our supporters. I feel that I can do the job. If for some reason Jimmy is not there, I am ready to play anytime the coach gives me a chance.

What plans do you have to improve your chances of becoming a regular in the team this season?


Asanda Vumazonke

Tlou Molekwane: I plan to get my place back in the U23 squad. I feel that if I do the business there the Coach will consider me in the team. As it goes now, I am working hard at training but it is different when you play games. If I play at U23 level, the coach will be able to assess my play and that will hopefully convince him to have a look at me.

The current coach, Shakes Mashaba called me recently together with Mandla (Masango) and we played a friendly game against one of the local sides. I have been a regular from the U17, U20 and I believe I can make contribution in the current U23 squad that will be hoping to represent the country in the next Olympics.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with being a Kaizer Chiefs player and have you forgotten about your ordeal during the Sundowns game last December?


Lebohang Motse

Tlou Molekwane: Eish! I will start with the last question…the match against Sundowns at Moses Mabhida (smiling). I had a bad day at the office and I regard it as my worst game every since turning professional. Playing as a left-back in such a big game in front of a full house,watched by millions of fans on television, made me uncomfortable.

The Coach had encouraging words for me after the game telling me to forget about the game and start thinking about the next game. He told me that I was still young and the experience would help me to cope better in other big games. I learnt so much from that mistake…I do think about it at times but it is not something that bothers me at all. I have put it behind me.

The pressure when you play for Chiefs is always there as it was in the game against Sundowns last season. You need to be positive and be strong when chips are down. I am lucky to be surrounded by supportive teammates who are always there for me and other younger players in the team. The senior guys always tell us to focus on the job at hand.

Which Kaizer Chiefs yesteryear player do you think was the best in your position?


Honest Mxokozeli

Tlou Molekwane: Although I never watched him play, Sizwe Motaung has to be the best. I remember after I a call up from Bafana Bafana one of the papers said I was the ‘next Sizwe Motaung’.

I think you should work on helping the team on the attack and bringing crosses on the box because Chiefs is not using its natural wingers…


Siyabulela Baliso

Tlou Molekwane: I am working hard at training to give the team more options when we are attacking. I have no problem in defending but I know that I have to improve my play going forward and deliver quality crosses.

How are you dealing with the issue of fighting for a position with two or three players and are you willing to fight or give up if you don’t get game time? Which other positions can you play in the team?


Nyaredi Mthimkhulu

Tlou Molekwane: (Jumping in) There is no way I will give up in fighting for my place in the team. Fighting for positions for me is not a problem and has never been a problem. It is for the coach to choose a player he prefers, who is in shape to deliver for the team. I have good relationship with all the guys in the team. I can also play as a centre back.

Katlego Mpela was your roommate back in 2004 when you were called up for Bafana Bafana, together with some of the guys you have played with who have gone to play in the World Cup. How does this make you feel?

Tlou Molekwane: (Keeps quiet for a while) I am happy for the Katlego and I remember at the time we met he was playing in France. He has really done very well for himself representing both his Club and country with aplomb. I have played with the likes of Bernard Parker, Tshepo Masilela, and Itumeleng Khune at junior level.

I remember after the camp with Bafana Bafana, I was still at Chiefs Development - the guys asked me to collect balls after training. I told them that not ‘even OJ (Mbulelo Mabizela then captain of Bafana Bafana) sent me to collect balls and now you guys are asking me to do that’. It was just something I liked to say and we would all have a good laugh about it.

Look, I have no doubt that have I had played regularly; I would be far by now- but then again, some of the guys I played with are no longer playing, and I am here at Chiefs which is the biggest team in the country. I still have an opportunity to achieve my dream of representing my country at the highest level and hopefully one day go ply my trade in Europe.