Friday, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena discussing the lack of professional football in his home province, Free State and its negative impact on the area. The province, which used to have two professional teams in the PSL, no longer has any, as Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars have both been sold and relocated.
In an interview on Marawa Sports Worldwide, Mokwena, a Bethlehem native, expressed his sadness that players from the region can no longer play in front of their families in away matches. He also raised a point that the lack of professional football in Free State has seen teenagers resort to drugs instead, as there is no hope of turning professional.
“It’s very sad because you can’t even go home and play in front of your family, because back then we used to go and play in front of our families against Free State Stars,” Mokwena said. “Now there’s nothing like that. That’s why I think most teenagers they turn their back against football and then go to drugs because there’s no football in Free State.”
The 26-year old, however, revealed that he is planning to hold coaching clinics, with the help of some of his teammates to motivate youngsters in the region. He also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of starting a tournament in Free State to be run under the banner of his foundation, if he gets sponsorship for it.
“But now I’m planning to do (coaching) clinics in June, so that at least we can get some motivation for the players and I’ll bring some guys from my team,” he said. “If I get the sponsorship I’ll do it.”
