Charles Motlohi recalls R500 first wage and the roommate who controlled the TV remote

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Charles Motlohi has revisited the early moments of his football career, including the excitement of reaching the top flight, receiving his first professional payment and sharing a room with a teammate who would not let him touch the television remote.

Motlohi said fulfilling his childhood ambition of becoming a top-flight footballer remains the achievement that stands out most from his career.

“It’s realizing my childhood dream of playing in the top flight. That’s the first achievement I’ll never forget,” he told Kickoff.

His professional career began at Welkom Eagles, where his first payment was R500. Motlohi was still at school at the time and came from a family with very little money, making the amount particularly significant.

He used the money to buy a pair of soccer boots.

Facing Kaizer Chiefs

Motlohi said he did not grow up supporting one particular player. Instead, he followed Kaizer Chiefs as a team, recalling players such as Teenage Dladla and Jan Malombo Lechaba.

Playing against the club for the first time was nevertheless a major occasion. He said he was so excited before the match that he could not sleep, although the anticipation ultimately helped him enjoy the game rather than feel nervous.

“I never had an idol. I just supported Kaizer Chiefs as a team,” he said.

The first time supporters chanted his name came while he was playing for Bloemfontein Celtic in a match against Sundowns. Motlohi described the experience as impossible to put into words.

The next day, the club’s owner, the late Ntate Petrus Molemela, called him into his office to discuss football. Motlohi was known by the nickname Ginola during that period.

A first taste of luxury

Motlohi’s first roommate was Solomon Gatri, who treated him well but kept a firm grip on the television remote.

Because it was Motlohi’s first time in that situation, he said he remained quiet and watched whatever Gatri chose to watch. The only opportunity to use the remote came when his roommate left to spend time with players in other rooms.

“As soon as he came back, I’d hand it to him. He didn’t let me touch it when he was around,” Motlohi recalled.

His first major luxury purchase came later, when he bought a BMW 318.

“That was my first big purchase,” he said.