Newly signed Magesi FC star Tshepo Matsemela has opened up on his relationship and comparison to SA football icon Jomo Sono.
The 28-year-old was amongst the 12 signings unveiled by the Limpopo club last week as they look to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship rather than add numbers.
He has had a few stints at various PSL clubs, including Jomo Cosmos and La Masia. Matsemela is also known as ‘Jomo’ within the football fraternity.
He told FARPost he does get comparisons to the former Orlando Pirates great but insists no one will ever reach Sono’s level.
“Obviously, the name ‘Jomo’ comes from my head, as you can see [pointing to his head],” he said.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP AND COMPARISON TO JOMO SONO
“The relationship between me and Mr Ephraim [Jomo Sono], a very top human being, is special. He took me in when I didn’t have anything.
“The relationship I have with him is like a father and Son. He is a father figure to me. He really appreciates me, also the advice he gives me and the comments he makes about me,” added the attacking midfielder.
“I think he sees himself in me, whereas obviously there is no one like him. He is the king of South African football, we all know that. But that’s basically how the name came about.”
LIFE LESSONS TSHEPO MATSEMELA GETS FROM THE FOOTBALL ICON
“We speak regularly. He can wake up in the morning and give me a call. I also do likewise, so the relationship between me and him is not just football. It’s about life, he gives me lessons at times.”
The former Polokwane City and La Masia player says there is no pressure whatsoever to even want to compare himself with his hero.
“I can’t compare myself with the king, obviously. But there and there, I have those moments where people see me as him,” he said.
“When I stand on the ball like showboating now and then. Each and everyone had their style of play but picked up some things from him, obviously. But there is no pressure on me to be compared to him, no pressure.”
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