Segolela tells Pirates winger Kgositsile to focus on his own path

Former Orlando Pirates winger Tlou ‘Gautrain’ Segolela has urged the club’s new speedster Kabelo ‘GTi’ Kgositsile to ignore comparisons between the pair and concentrate on building his own career.

Kgositsile made an immediate impression in his first official appearance for Pirates, producing an eye-catching performance during Saturday’s 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The former Baroka FC player was introduced in the 66th minute and used his pace and direct running to help the Soweto giants retain control of the match. His arrival also pushed Milford FC deeper as Pirates protected their advantage and secured all three points.

Segolela, who became known to Pirates supporters as ‘Gautrain’ because of his speed, said the younger player should not be judged against his predecessor.

“It’s not about comparing the two. Kgositsile is a very interesting player, he has been playing professional football for three seasons now. I’m glad Pirates decided against loaning him out [again],” Segolela told KickOff.

Kgositsile was signed by Pirates but was not initially given an opportunity in the first team. He was subsequently loaned back to Baroka FC, before returning to the Soweto club and earning a place in its talented squad.

Segolela believes the decision to keep the winger at Pirates has already begun to pay off.

“He was signed but not given an opportunity and ended up being loaned back to Baroka, and now he is proving he deserved to be part of Pirates’ talented squad.

“He is one of their quickest players, he is not scared, he enjoys one-v-one. He is there to write his story and continue the legacy.

“Gautrain, GTi… I don’t know if there’s a secret ingredient from this side, the Limpopo province, but I think it has to do with natural ability. Most of us athletes from Limpopo have got the endurance and speed.

“I don’t know if it’s to do with the food we eat, but we are blessed with speed,” he adds, before churning out advice to the new fan-favourite.

Segolela said Kgositsile’s early popularity should not distract him from the work required to establish himself at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. He called on the winger to remain disciplined and make careful choices away from the pitch.

“He must just stay grounded and keep going for the goal that he has set for his life.

“There might be a lot of distractions, but he should stay in his lane and control only what he can, like the company he keeps.”

Kgositsile’s appearance against Milford FC came as Pirates began to see the benefit of retaining a player who had previously spent time away from the club on loan. His pace added another attacking threat during the second half, while his willingness to take on opponents one-on-one made him a notable figure for home supporters.

For Segolela, however, the latest comparisons should not define the winger. Kgositsile now has the opportunity to create his own identity at Pirates and continue the club’s tradition of producing exciting attacking players.