Orbit College FC midfielder Tshepo Matsemela has reflected on a period he spent illegally in Portugal after joining third-tier side GD Tourizense from Stars of Africa Football Academy at the age of 18.
‘Jomo’, as he is affectionately known, signed for Tourizense in July 2014, when he had just completed high school.
The 29-year-old is now in the books of the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Orbit College, where he has played 10 games since his arrival at the club in January this year from the Betway Premiership side Magesi FC.
Orbit are currently chasing to win the SA second-tier title, as they are placed second on the table, with 49 points after 28 matches. They are equal on points with log leaders, Durban City FC.
TSHEPO MATSEMELA ON STAYING ILLEGALLY IN PORTUGAL
Matsemela disclosed to this publication that, during his two seasons in Portugal, he was there legally for one season and, in the following year, he stayed illegally due to his passport expiring and facing visa issues.
He then decided to come back to his home soil before he could get into trouble with the law enforcement in Portugal. In his return to SA, ‘Jomo’ went on to sign for Polokwane City FC in March 2016.
“No player doesn’t want to play overseas. Unfortunately, I had some difficulty with my visa and passport,” Matsemela told FARPost.
“So, that was the reason why I came back to SA. I stayed there for one year illegally because my passport had expired, and we were waiting for a visa that I couldn’t obtain.
“I had to move out of the country because you can’t have foreigners staying in the country illegally.”
The attacking midfielder continued: “So, for me, leaving Portugal wasn’t my choice; I was forced to move out because I had stayed there illegally for a year, which is unprofessional. Therefore, I left Portugal for visa reasons.”
RELATED STORY: The role Farouk Khan played in Tshepo Matsemela’s football career