Sox Strikes Supporter's Hearts!"
Undoubtedly one of Botswana's most exceptional football talents, Tshepiso 'Sox' Molwantwa, the former top striker for the national team, the Zebras, left the National Stadium with a sense of satisfaction this past Saturday. A Clash of the Legends match between Botswana and South Africa took place, and despite the South African legends emerging victorious with a 5-4 penalty shootout win, Sox's experience was filled with significance.
Following the match, Sox engaged in a heartwarming gesture, exchanging his revered number 12 jersey with none other than Reneilwe Letsholonyane, the former South African jersey 12 player. This act symbolized the mutual respect shared between these two football greats.
Having retired from competitive football, Sox who has played for teams like Township Rollers and Notwane made his first public appearance in this special clash of the legends match, and the local football fans showered him with adoration and admiration. Throughout the match, the home crowd, in particular, displayed unwavering support, erupting with cheers and applause for Sox even during his warm-up routine. The entire stadium reverberated with their overwhelming support for this beloved football icon.
Molwantwa earned that respect, not only by being a great striker, but by the way he conducted himself on and off the field. During his playing days, he didn’t taunt or talk trash, he didn’t get in trouble with either his teammates or match official. Sox started the match on the bench; he warmed up several times and the minute he got up the whole stadium went crazy, clapping and screaming his name.
Coming in the second half of the game, he did not disappoint as he was comfortable on the ball and his positioning and passes were great. He scored a beautifully well converted penalty and yet again the fans roared, with a group hug from his teammates. Sox said it was an emotional moment for him to see Batswana appreciating what he has done for local football.
When commenting on the reception he received on Saturday, Sox told Sun Sports that he spent his life playing really good football. He said getting that kind of respect from the entire National Stadium means a lot to him and he will be forever grateful of that moment. “To see Batswana chanting my name, clapping and celebrating for me even when I was doing warm up on Saturday afternoon was an incredible feeling. The love and respect I get from all football fans is by far one of my greatest accomplishments,” he said. He said if given a chance he would have loved to have shared his talent with aspiring footballers, he however said he is currently training a team of young footballers at his hometown.
During his playing days, Sox was donning the Zebras famous jersey number 12.
In his golden era as a goal scorer in the national team and domestic football league, he played for Township Rollers where he was given the nickname ‘TAU’ possibly from his dreadlogs. He also played for Notwane FC and Mochudi Center Chiefs, amongst others. He was the first Zebras player to play in the South African National First Division Club. “I used to be cheered during my days as a player, it was awesome but what I got from Batswana over the weekend was overwhelming for me; I didn’t expect it to happen the way it happened, I felt respected,” Sox said.