Midfielder Mpho Mathekgane is the first South African to play in the Zambia Super League. Mathekgane arrived in Zambia in 2019, where his first port of call was Buildcon FC.
He didn’t stay long at Buildcon and a season later made a short hop to their next-door neighbours and Ndola rivals Forest Rangers, where he has been ever since.
We caught up with the ex-Free State Stars midfielder to very briefly talk football.
FARPost: Mpho, you have been playing football in Zambia for the last three years. How do you rate the league?
MPHO: Yes, I have been here for three years now, so what I have seen here is that the league is constantly improving, and it’s becoming competitive every year. They’re always new challenges despite new youthful players coming in. That is why you see that when Zambia players return from South Africa, they consider playing in the FAZ Super League.
FP: Many players like your teammates Billy Mutale and Clifford Mulenga have returned home from the PSL. How has Clifford helped you settle into Zambian football?
MPHO: Clifford has been a good player and experienced, and he has been there and leading by example, showing us his wisdom to these youngsters regarding the game. He is showing us that age is just a number, and he has been going strong since returning from South Africa.
FP: So, what prompted you to move to Zambia?
MPHO: I played for years professionally in South Africa like I won the Nedbank Cup with Free State Stars, then played for TS Galaxy and Swallows, then I went to South America for a year or so, then I came back home and then Zambia.
FP: I am sure you keenly follow the PSL; what’s your prediction for this season?
MPHO: Obviously, home will always be home. The season has just started, and I have been following Sundowns. They are still carrying on dominating.
FP: Do you see anyone ending Sundowns’ five-year dominance?
MPHO: I think they will keep dominating because they have all the quality, and in the future, I don’t see any team stopping them anytime soon unless Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs raise their game and get back to the usual.
