Motsoeneng’s winding road from Diski rejection to Betway Premiership return with Gallants

Mpokwane Motsoeneng has earned a return to South Africa’s top flight with Marumo Gallants after a stop-start early career that took him from Sekhukhune United’s youth ranks to lower-league football at home and a breakthrough stint in Namibia.

The left-sided defender, who has joined Gallants ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign, was once viewed as a long-term prospect at Sekhukhune United, but saw his progress abruptly halted when he was released following changes to the club’s technical staff.

His agent, Ernst Mokoena, told the Siya crew that Motsoeneng had been tied to a lengthy deal in the DStv Diski Challenge side before the reshuffle cut short his stay.

“The player was previously signed by Sekhukhune United as a DDC player on a five-year contract. Unfortunately, due to changes within the club’s coaching department, he was released and issued with a clearance certificate,” Mokoena said.

From Diski exit to ABC Motsepe League

After departing Sekhukhune, Motsoeneng returned to his hometown of Fouriesburg rather than seeking another immediate move in the professional ranks.

Back home, he joined Dikgosi FC and dropped into the ABC Motsepe League, using a season in South Africa’s third tier to rebuild his confidence and match sharpness.

Mokoena believes that decision to step down a level and reset his career was pivotal in what followed.

“Following his return to his hometown of Fouriesburg, he joined Dikgosi FC, where he competed in the ABC Motsepe League for one season,” the representative explained.

Breakthrough in Namibia and CAF Champions League exposure

Motsoeneng’s form in the ABC Motsepe League opened the door to a move beyond South Africa’s borders.

“During the 2024/25 season, we facilitated his move to Africa Stars in Namibia, where he established himself as a key player. During his time at the club, he also gained valuable international experience by competing in the CAF Champions League,” Mokoena said.

That campaign with Africa Stars, in which he featured on the continental stage, marked his first sustained run as a senior regular and allowed him to test himself against opposition from around Africa.

The exposure in the CAF Champions League, combined with his performances in Namibia’s domestic competitions, helped reintroduce him to clubs back in South Africa.

Gallants move seen as ‘excellent decision’

Interest from the Betway Premiership followed, with Marumo Gallants acting decisively to bring the defender back to mzansi ahead of the upcoming season.

Mokoena believes Gallants have recruited a player ready to contribute at once, rather than one who still needs extensive development time.

“He is an exceptionally talented left centre-back with the qualities and potential that South African football needs.

“In my opinion, Marumo Gallants made an excellent decision by signing him without hesitation. I am confident that he has the ability to make a significant contribution to the club and continue his development at the highest level,” he said.

Full-circle chance in the top flight

Motsoeneng’s journey – from a five-year contract in the DStv Diski Challenge, to being released after a coaching shake-up, to a season in the ABC Motsepe League with Dikgosi FC, and then a key role at Africa Stars with CAF Champions League action – has now led back to the Betway Premiership.

Having recovered from the early disappointment of losing his place at Sekhukhune United, the defender now has the opportunity to complete a full-circle story by establishing himself with Marumo Gallants in South Africa’s top division.