FREE STATE — Zebras’ speedy winger Joel Mogorosi is fast proving his big stage temperament in the South African elite league.
Report by Mmegi
Mogorosi arrived at Bloemfontein Celtic from Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the beginning of the season and wasted no time in adapting to the big stage.
He had signed a three-year deal with Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum, but was shipped off to South Africa without kicking a ball.
Known for his speed and an eye for goal, Mogorosi has proved to be one of the most talked about players in SA in recent weeks.
Thanks to his exploits in the Telkom Knockout Cup where he has almost single handedly refused to let his side fail in the competition. It all started in the quarterfinals of the competition against Orlando Pirates.
Mogorosi was introduced in the second half and Pirates, who once showed interest in the player, were leading 3-1 with less than five minutes remaining on the clock.
Celtic made it 3-2 in the 89th minute, but it was Mogorosi’s wonder strike in the referee’s optional time that made headlines. He scored with a beautiful bicycle kick to send the two teams into extra time.
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It ended stalemate in extra time and Celtic went on to win in penalty shootout. Mogorosi scored his side’s last but one penalty, calmly sending Pirates goalkeeper, Moeneeb Josephs the wrong direction.
A draw in the semi finals pitted Mogorosi’s side against their Free State rivals, Free State Stars. Again, Mogorosi came in the second half and scored his side’s winning goal in extra time to win the match 3-2, setting up an interesting final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns had defeated their city rivals Supersport United 1-0 in the other semi final.
Many Batswana were already bracing themselves for the second round of Mogorosi versus Punch Masenamela battle. The two players met in the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Gaborone, appearing for their countries and Mogorosi gave Masenamela a torrid time on the wing. He (Masenamela) was subsequently substituted.
