Marumo Gallants star Jaisen Clifford believes his former teammate and ex-Kaizer Chiefs winger Kgaogelo Sekgota will make a triumphant comeback, rising from the ashes like a phoenix to shine again.
Sekgota’s career has been marred by off-field issues since his return to South Africa in 2020. His career took a downward spiral after he left Kaizer Chiefs in July 2023.
That was followed by a move to Stellenbosch FC, but his stay was cut short as he was released for violating the team’s code of conduct. He then joined Magesi FC at the start of the 2024/25 season, but he was again cut loose into the wilderness before the season ended.
Sekgota is currently unattached since being released by Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Upington City FC, in July. That same month, the 28-year-old was admitted to a rehabilitation centre in Limpopo to address substance abuse.
At the moment, Sekgota has been playing in Kasi football tournaments, hoping to find a new PSL club. And his former teammate, Clifford, with whom he stayed during their time at FC Stumbras Kaunas in Lithuania, is dreaming of brighter days.
‘I KNOW HE WILL BOUNCE BACK’: JAISEN CLIFFORD ON SEKGOTA
The two SA stars were together for almost two years at FC Stumbras Kaunas from 2017 to 2019. In an interview with FARPost, the Gallants forward said he is saddened by how Sekgota’s career has gone. However, Clifford is confident the talented winger will rise from the ashes.
“We were together in Lithuania. I think it was good, obviously, myself and Sekgota at that stage. Our club was fighting relegation. We also won a trophy for the club, which put us into the Europa League qualifications,” Clifford told FARPost.
“Obviously, it was a good time. Good time for us. We were living together, obviously, so we’re very close. So I’m also obviously a little bit sad and disappointed at the way things happened for him. But to be honest, I really think that he’s the kind of guy that when he puts his head down and starts focusing or refocusing himself on football, I know he’ll come back, he’ll bounce back. He will rise again.
“I think he’s going to save his career or save his life and have something to be proud of, to look back and be proud of himself.”
CLIFFORD’S WISE WORDS FOR SEKGOTA
Clifford added: “He has achieved a lot already. He’s played for the likes of the Kaizer Chiefs. So I think he’s achieved a lot. But I think there is still more to come from him, and I hope he can do it. The first thing I’d advise him is the same thing I’d probably advise any person.
“I always tell him to humble himself and go back to God. Pray, stay with the people who are close to you, your family. The people who really care about you. Because in this industry, he knows, you can end up being around people who are after you for certain things.”
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