BG Sport Editor, Isaac Pheko interviews one of Botswana’s finest football exports, Tumisang Teenage Orebonye, who is currently plying his trade at ASM Alger, an Algerian elite football team and the reigning CAF Confederations Cup champions.
BG Sport: Good day Teenage can you look back and tell us a bit about your stellar football career, from your time at Township Rollers to OC Khourigba in Morocco, and finally joining ASM Alger in the Algerian professional football league.
Orebonye: I am passionate about football and have been playing since I was in high school. My dedication to the sport has helped me develop my athletic abilities and taught me valuable lessons. Playing for my home team, Township Rollers, played a significant role in shaping who I am today. After that, I had a successful spell at OC Khourigba in the Botola 2 league in Morocco before joining ASM Alger, where I am currently playing.
I thank God for the elevation in my career. At Township Rollers, I had a great time and the opportunity to play two wonderful seasons, during which I won the Mascom Top 8 goal scorer award two times in a row. So, I was happy during my time there. When I went to Morocco and joined OC Khourigba, I continued my form, having two great seasons before moving on to join USM Alger.
BG Sport: You recently won the CAF Confederation Cup with ASM Alger, becoming the first Botswana player to win a continental title. Tell us about that experience and how it feels to achieve such a milestone for your country.
Orebonye: Winning the CAF Confederations Cup with ASM Alger was an incredible experience. I felt proud and happy because I had worked so hard to realise this goal. However, it wasn't an easy journey, and we faced many obstacles along the way. As a team, we learned the hard way, but against all odds, we managed to win the cup. This achievement was also significant for my country, Botswana, as my country's name was always mentioned alongside my achievement during my time playing.
BG Sport: How impactful was your time at OC Khourigba? And may you talk about your partnership with your friend and former teammate, Kabelo Seakanyeng during your time there?
Orebonye: When I arrived at OC Khourigba alongside my compatriot Kabelo Seakanyeng, we had one objective - to help the team get back to the elite league, which we successfully achieved. We played very well and contributed to most of the team's goals during our first season. Kabelo and I had a great relationship even before going to Morocco, so it wasn't difficult for us to adapt. Our partnership and results during our stay in Morocco were evident.
BG Sport: As the first Botswana player to play in the Algerian professional football league, what are your thoughts on the prospects of more Batswana players playing professionally in North African leagues?
Orebonye: Football is almost the same all around the world; the only difference lies in the mentality of the players. While inadequate facilities and limited resources may pose challenges in Botswana, our players have the potential to play in North African leagues. All they need is hard work, determination, self-belief, and discipline. Many of our players are good, if not better than some of those leagues.
BG Sport: Moving from Botswana to Algeria must have exposed you to a completely different culture, both in life and football. How have you been acclimatizing to this change?
Orebonye: Since I moved to Morocco, I had to adapt to a whole new environment, which is totally different from ours. I was ready and prepared for this change as I always wanted to play professional football.
BG Sport: With such remarkable achievements in your career, what are your future prospects and goals for your football journey?
Orebonye: The sky is the limit, and I won't limit myself in anything. I am working hard to achieve and win everything I play for, alongside my team.
BG Sport: Given your busy schedule and time spent abroad, do you ever get homesick? How do you manage to stay connected with your roots and your family back in Botswana?
Orebonye: I don't get homesick while playing abroad. I know why I chose this life, and I must be fully focused and committed to reaching my goals. My family back home is always one call away, and they are my support system, encouraging me to work even harder.
BG Sport: What have you been getting up to in the off-season while back in Botswana?
Orebonye: During the off-season, I have been working on getting my business in order and up to date. I operate companies back in Botswana and engage in other activities outside of sports, considering that a football career is relatively short.
Orebonye: I am passionate about football and have been playing since I was in high school. My dedication to the sport has helped me develop my athletic abilities and taught me valuable lessons. Playing for my home team, Township Rollers, played a significant role in shaping who I am today. After that, I had a successful spell at OC Khourigba in the Botola 2 league in Morocco before joining ASM Alger, where I am currently playing.
I thank God for the elevation in my career. At Township Rollers, I had a great time and the opportunity to play two wonderful seasons, during which I won the Mascom Top 8 goal scorer award two times in a row. So, I was happy during my time there. When I went to Morocco and joined OC Khourigba, I continued my form, having two great seasons before moving on to join USM Alger.
BG Sport: You recently won the CAF Confederation Cup with ASM Alger, becoming the first Botswana player to win a continental title. Tell us about that experience and how it feels to achieve such a milestone for your country.
Orebonye: Winning the CAF Confederations Cup with ASM Alger was an incredible experience. I felt proud and happy because I had worked so hard to realise this goal. However, it wasn't an easy journey, and we faced many obstacles along the way. As a team, we learned the hard way, but against all odds, we managed to win the cup. This achievement was also significant for my country, Botswana, as my country's name was always mentioned alongside my achievement during my time playing.
BG Sport: How impactful was your time at OC Khourigba? And may you talk about your partnership with your friend and former teammate, Kabelo Seakanyeng during your time there?
Orebonye: When I arrived at OC Khourigba alongside my compatriot Kabelo Seakanyeng, we had one objective - to help the team get back to the elite league, which we successfully achieved. We played very well and contributed to most of the team's goals during our first season. Kabelo and I had a great relationship even before going to Morocco, so it wasn't difficult for us to adapt. Our partnership and results during our stay in Morocco were evident.
BG Sport: As the first Botswana player to play in the Algerian professional football league, what are your thoughts on the prospects of more Batswana players playing professionally in North African leagues?
Orebonye: Football is almost the same all around the world; the only difference lies in the mentality of the players. While inadequate facilities and limited resources may pose challenges in Botswana, our players have the potential to play in North African leagues. All they need is hard work, determination, self-belief, and discipline. Many of our players are good, if not better than some of those leagues.
BG Sport: Moving from Botswana to Algeria must have exposed you to a completely different culture, both in life and football. How have you been acclimatizing to this change?
Orebonye: Since I moved to Morocco, I had to adapt to a whole new environment, which is totally different from ours. I was ready and prepared for this change as I always wanted to play professional football.
BG Sport: With such remarkable achievements in your career, what are your future prospects and goals for your football journey?
Orebonye: The sky is the limit, and I won't limit myself in anything. I am working hard to achieve and win everything I play for, alongside my team.
BG Sport: Given your busy schedule and time spent abroad, do you ever get homesick? How do you manage to stay connected with your roots and your family back in Botswana?
Orebonye: I don't get homesick while playing abroad. I know why I chose this life, and I must be fully focused and committed to reaching my goals. My family back home is always one call away, and they are my support system, encouraging me to work even harder.
BG Sport: What have you been getting up to in the off-season while back in Botswana?
Orebonye: During the off-season, I have been working on getting my business in order and up to date. I operate companies back in Botswana and engage in other activities outside of sports, considering that a football career is relatively short.
