Young Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bontle Molefe has revealed that coach Lee Baxter was instrumental in helping him gain promotion to the Amakhosi first team.
Molefe was promoted to the first team at the tender age of 16 alongside Happy Mashiane.
The 17-year-old is currently gaining valuable experience being an understudy to the likes of Itumeleng Khune, Daniel Akpeyi and Bruce Bvuma.
‘I was born in Soweto [Dube] and stayed there until I was about five years old,’ says 17-year old. ‘I now live in the south of Johannesburg.
‘I was at Verney College and due to my promotion to the first team, I had to do home schooling. I am now in Grade 11 through the Mulbarton Home-school Centre.
‘I started playing football when I was seven at Jabez Football [coached by Lyle Bennet]. I was very chubby when I was young [chuckles]. My mom was very worried about my health – she then took it upon herself to choose a sport for me so I could lose weight and stay healthy. Also, my dad was a football player back in the day, hence my mom chose football for me. And that is how my football career started.
‘I had a lot of people who helped me become a football player and to reach this level. My uncle [helper] who has been working for us since I was six used to walk me to training when I had no transport about 4km away from home. He would train me at home when we had days off. My uncle believed that no one deserves a day off until they reached their dreams.’
Speaking about his parents, Bontle said: ‘My mom and dad still play a vital role in my career. They multitask to assist my career development. They serve as transporters, advisers, managers, and just anything you can think of. The rest of my family have also been supportive throughout my whole career, especially my cousins.’
The young shotstopper was invited to join Chiefs after he was scouted by Chiefs Reserves goalkeeper coach Rory Minaar while playing for the South African U17 men’s team.
‘I have a few coaches that are very supportive on and off the field. I am also happy to see very talented individuals in the junior system who are looking for a breakthrough into the first team just like me. It is good to be a shining light,’ he added.
‘Coach Lee Baxter has been instrumental in my promotion to the first team. He had been eyeing me since I entered the development system. He truly has faith in me and was instrumental to my promotion to the first team.’
On becoming a professional footballer and returning to football under strict Covid-19 protocols Bontle said: ‘It is not easy at all. The pressure of being a professional soccer player is a lot. As a youngster in the system, I wish to advise other youngsters who are looking to be professionals to be better prepared mentally and otherwise.
‘I am happy to be back reunited with the team,’ concludes the young goalminder. ‘We are adapting to the new world progressively and we are preparing to resume matches, hopefully very soon.’
