In this edition of "My Welcome to the League Moment," KickOff interviews former Bloemfontein Celtic player Lebo Ramolesa, who shares a humorous story about his biggest challenge in professional football.
The 35-year-old former South Africa Under-20 attacking midfielder from Mankweng in Limpopo reflects on his debut match in the Premier Soccer League. It took place in 2007 when Bloemfontein Celtic defeated Ajax Cape Town 1-0 at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
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"My first game was against Ajax Cape Town at Seisa Ramabodu, but my biggest challenge was my excitement about playing in front of the Bloemfontein Celtic supporters," Ramolesa reveals to KickOff.
"During the match, I often found myself standing there, mesmerized by the crowd singing. I would spend about five minutes gazing at the stands, completely forgetting that I was on the pitch. Eish, being a youngster is never easy."
"It felt like I hadn't fully grasped that I was finally a PSL player. I was captivated by the fans' dance moves and singing. You know how vibrant the atmosphere was at Seisa Ramabodu back then; it was something I had never experienced before. The sheer number of fans was almost intimidating. But I remember that we won that game 1-0.
"When we went out for our warm-ups, there were only a few spectators, but when we returned for kick-off, the stadium was packed. So many faces were watching me every time I had the ball.
"In a full stadium, you can hardly communicate with your teammates verbally; you have to rely on sign language. The noise is deafening.
"I really wish to see Celtic back in the PSL. It should rightfully be called Bloemfontein Celtic, not Marumo Gallants. People are loyal to the name Bloemfontein Celtic."