With only four senior team games played, Botswana teenager Tlotlo ‘Mala’ Keipidile has already been identified as a generational talent by veteran South African coach Owen Da Gama.
The Black Lions FC coach, Da Gama, has delivered a stunning verdict on his 18-year-old midfielder, describing him as a ‘once every five years’ prospect.
Keipidile, nicknamed ‘Mala’ [a Tswana word meaning intestines], has wasted no time in making his mark. He capped an impressive debut in Botswana’s top flight with a well-struck free-kick against Orapa United, securing a 1-1 draw in October.
Da Gama, known for his keen eye for talent, revealed the teenager was brought to the club’s attention by a Lions player, Kevin Bulala. “One of our players, Kevin Bulala, told us about him, and we said, ‘Bring the boy’. On the first day of training, we saw something in him,” Da Gama told FARPost. Thereafter, a period of intensive coaching and video sessions was necessary to give him a foundation.
Given his exceptional passing and ability to effortlessly waltz past opponents, Da Gama prefers to deploy the left-footed attacker as a number 10. He has deliberately tailored the teenager’s role to maximise his attacking prowess while providing him time to develop physically.
“I prefer him to play as a 10 behind the striker. He’s got a free role, no defensive responsibilities, but more on the attacking side of the game. That’s why we play him there.”
‘HE’S JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS ONCE IN A WHILE’: DA GAMA
“He is an exceptional talent, considering he didn’t come from a formal development structure. He’s a natural talent. One of those you pick up once every five years. There are a lot of good players with talent, but this is something else. He’s just something that happens once in a while,” explained the 64-year-old.
The former Orlando Pirates coach, however, did not shy away from acknowledging the youngster’s rawness. “You can see he’s not been coached at the highest level, but the amount of talent he has makes it so easy for him.”
Perhaps Keipidile’s most standout quality is his confidence on the ball, a trait his mentor believes cannot be taught.
“That’s not something you can teach; confidence is a talent on its own. This boy wants the ball all the time. You can kick him 10 times, and he will still want the ball,” the former SA Under-23 coach added.
Da Gama recalled a recent match against Gaborone United, in which the opposition struggled to contain the teenager and resorted to physical challenges.
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