In this edition of In The Spotlight, KickOff gets to know a little more about former hard-tackling SuperSport United defender Japie Motale.
Growing up, who was your idol?
"I looked up to my brother, Edward Motale, who had already turned professional. I admired his conduct - he didn't drink or smoke."
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Is he the player you modelled your game on?
"Yes, but I also idolized the late Joas Magolego and Themba Mnguni. They all shared a similar attitude."
Your favourite team?
"Mamelodi Sundowns. I came through their academy."
Your best friend in football?
"Thokozani Mnguni. We became friends at the age of eight while at Sundowns. I once tried to convince Pitso Mosimane to bring him to SuperSport, but that didn’t work out. However, Mnguni managed to organise my move to Black Leopards."
Your favourite player in SA?
"Keletso Makgalwa from Sekhukhune United. That player is impressive."
If you could join any club in South Africa right now...
"Kaizer Chiefs. As a defender, I want a challenge. I want to join a struggling team to help make a difference."
Have you ever cheated on the game?
"Sometimes I would scream, claiming that an opposition striker kicked me when, in fact, he did nothing wrong."
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If you could live anywhere else in the world...
"Based on my experiences with the South African junior national teams, I would say France. That country would be perfect for me."
