Two heroes born on either side of Mokholodhi River: Lengwinya and Mosipi

By Lefupana Mahlomola Martin 

The late 90s is always remembered as one of the greatest period of football in Sekgosese, this, primarily because Matsena Giant Killers FC (Makhema) was making all sorts of wave in Limpopo and reaching the PSL in the 1998/9 season. The late 90s also represent an era where Sekgosese had good team from across the villages, with the names of Super Silence, Mamaila Golden, Thakgalane Panthers and Sehlale Flying quickly come to mind.

As the 90s became the 2000s, the football landscape was quickly changing with the fading of Mighty Giants of Sekgosese in the form of Makhema. The game needed new heroes of the early time, in the newly formed Hunger Boys, young coach, Refilwe “River” Masetla was cooking a storm, with Mosipi at the center, while under the tutelage of legendary City Machete a prodigal son in Lengwinya was rising to the top. Cassius “Lengwinya” is Moccasin boy through and through, he loves Jakuja and came through the ranks as number 9 and 5, while Mosipi born Evance Mosipi came through the ranks at Malwela Flamingos known as Bhobhoti. By the year 2001, the teenagers were already starlets, match winners and leaders of their teams in the field. The teenage boys had much football ability that much was placed on their young shoulders to carry the aspiration of their respective clubs, Moccasin and Hunger Boys.

In the summer of 2001, the famous December tournament played at Moccasin ground at Ga-Raphahlelo village provided spotlight for Jakuja. With star studded players for the host such as City Machethe, Mahlatse Machethe, Bure Matji, the late Cedrick Rivhimbi, the young Lengwinya shown brighter. The jubilant and jovial scene football in Moccasin provided the great atmosphere for a great performance and he performed.  In 2001/2 season, Hunger boys hosted Sehlale Flying Air in a 5 – 2 thriller Sehlale derby, while the game is remembered for 2 ferocious goals from Peter “Brigga” Machethe, it could be argued that Mosipi announced himself with a solo run passed four Flying Air defenders to score a wonderful goal.

Interest from big teams came through; All Romans won the signature for both on loan in late 2001/2002 season. This was not to last, as both were never welcomed at All Romans. Their journey would take them different path, with Mosipi going to Rungulani and Lengwinya remaining in Jakuja. In the years to follow, they were to join forces in many failed and aborted moved at professional clubs in Limpopo.

In the Quest to get join the working market, Thabazimbi became home and football provided refuge. All form of trophies were won and adulation followed, but like all nomads, they returned home, and Venda called. It is in Venda that it is argued their legendary status is even respected more than in their homeland of Sekgosese. Northern Brothers FC was not known for anything good footballing wise, but their arrival signaled changes, from LFA to SAB Castel Provincial Playoffs missing ABC Motsepe promotion by a whisker. In December tournaments they would form their own team Lebowa United FC, records indicate that since 2009, they won in three times reaching semi-finals 2 times. Mosipi with trademark jersey number 2 and his famous stop and run skills and Lengwinya with his trademark free kicks and long-range passes, will be forever be heroes of our game.

Very few can argue that Lengwinya and Mosipi dominated football in Sekgosese in the last 20 years. The two can easily be regarded as the best players of the last 20 years, they were peerless in many instances, dominated, won many tournaments, medals, leagues titles and their names are etched in the pantheon of our game. Like all genius, they two are flawed, made mistake, probably could have done better with their supreme talents and fluffed their chances to play at professional level, but the joy and happiness they brought to us should be treasure forever. At their prime, they were unplayable and great to watch. For many people, the disappointment is that they did not reach the lofty height their talent deserved, but for people of Sekgosese, they are heroes and one in a generation type of players. The fans cherish them, love them and appreciate the memories that they have given us over the last 20 years.