How Mpho Maleka rejuvenated ex-Baroka and Swallows striker’s career
Ex-Baroka FC and Moroka Swallows striker Naeem Amoojee has explained how coach Mpho Maleka rejuvenated his football career following his return to the professional ranks.
Amoojee signed for Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leruma United during the PSL January transfer window period.
The talented frontman signed for the PSL side from the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League club African All Stars, which is Sekhukhune United‘s feeder club.
Before joining African All Stars, he was in the books of the SAFA Johannesburg Regional League for Lesco FC.
He also turned out for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM] when they were still competing in the SA second tier.
NAEEM AMOOJEE ON MPHO MALEKA’S IMPACT ON HIS FOOTBALL CAREER
Following the departure of Maleka as the head coach of Leruma a fortnight ago, Amoojee stated the role played by the former PSL player at the club.
Amoojee has already scored two goals in four appearances for the Motsepe Foundation Championship side.
“Obviously, I came to Leruma while coach Mpho Maleka was still here. But before we go there, I have to give thanks to Leruma United and the chairman [Leruma Thobejane] for giving me the opportunity to play professional football again,” Amoojee told FARPost.
“Coach Maleka has boosted a lot of confidence in me. He managed to bring spark into my football career. When I arrived there, I started two games in a row and played a full 90 minutes in both games and scored in each of those games.
“It all came with the confidence that he installed in me. A major boost was all those words he used to tell me; like I’m a good runner and a good finisher. What made it pleasing for me is that he’s a former striker himself. Obviously, we all know the quality striker he was.”
‘I WISH I WERE STILL PLAYING SO I COULD PLAY WITH YOU’, MPHO MALEKA TOLD NAEEM AMOOJEE
Amoojee continued: “I remember one day, he once told me that, ‘I wish I was still playing so that I could play with you.’
“For me, that was something so profound. So, he played a big role in my return to professional ranks and I will forever be grateful for him and I wish him all the best in his future coaching career.”
Leruma are currently languishing at the bottom of the log standings in the NFD with 16 points after 19 matches.
The club’s next league game will be against Baroka FC at home on Sunday, 2 March 2025. The match will take place at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium at 15:30.
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