The role Farouk Khan played in Tshepo Matsemela’s football career

Coach Farouk Khan addressing the media

Orbit College FC midfielder Tshepo Matsemela has opened up on the role played by the ex-Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan in his football career.

‘Jomo’, as he is well known within the football circles, nurtured his football career at Stars of Africa Football Academy led by coach Khan.

Matsemela stated that he started playing football at the age of eight, where he did not have proper development until he joined Stars of Africa.

At the age of 18, he was lucky enough to secure a move to Portuguese third-tier side GD Tourizense in July 2014 from Stars of Africa, where he spent two seasons.

Matsemela never looked back since then, as he went on to represent teams such as Polokwane City FC, JDR Stars, Jomo Cosmos, Cape Town All Stars, Platinum City Rovers, NB La Masia, Magesi FC, to mention a few.

Tshepo Matsemela during his stint at Magesi FC
Tshepo Matsemela during his stint at Magesi FC Photo: FARPost

TSHEPO MATSEMELA PRAISES HIS ACADEMY COACH FAROUK KHAN

Matsemela described coach Khan as an exceptional mentor and a person who recognised potential in him that others overlooked.

“I started playing football at the age of eight, actually. But I didn’t have proper development at the time,” said Matsemela in an interview with FARPost.

“So, I was at Wits, and I moved on to Stars of Africa, where coach Farouk Khan saw something in me that nobody else had seen. The belief he had in me, along with the courage and support he gave me, was amazing.

“Stars of Africa, on its own, is actually the university of football, you know. You get to learn a lot of things that you have never learned from the outside.”

‘Jomo’ continued: “So, coming to Stars of Africa has made it easier for me to join any club because the academy is ahead in the development stage under the leadership of coach Farouk Khan.”

RELATED STORY: ‘He took me when I had nothing’: Matsemela on how Clinton Larsen revived his career