If you are an avid Orlando Pirates soccer fan, you will know who Edward “Magents” Motale is.
He is a legendary former captain and defender for Orlando Pirates, famously leading them to the 1995 African Champions League title. He also played for the Bafana team that won the African Cup of Nations in 1996. As a player, he had real flair. One of his trademark tricks on the field was ‘show me your number’.
In a strange way, it could be claimed that the soccer legend is impacting the Tuks Varsity women’s team. Why, many might ask. Well, those who have taken the time out to study the team list would have noticed the surname Motale.
Dudu Motale played her part a few years back to help Tuks qualify for the Hollywoodbets Super League. For the last three years, Tebogo Motale has been playing for Tuks. They are all related.
Playing soccer is, without doubt, a family tradition. Edward’s younger brother, Jappie, played for SuperSport United, among others. Tebogo’s father, Phalane, was also an avid player in his day.
When asked whether her uncles and father have a big influence on the way she thinks about and plays soccer, Tebogo answers by saying, “They never pressurise me when it comes to playing. To them, I must enjoy what I do. So they will always encourage me. They also keep reminding me that no playing career lasts forever. Therefore, it is important to plan for the day after,” said the third-year education student.
“Playing soccer comes effortlessly to me. I don’t ever question myself on the field. Soccer is a way in which I express myself.”
Tebogo debuted for Tuks in 2024, which means she is now playing her third Varsity Tournament. It will also be her last.
Tuks had mixed results in their first two games, drawing 0-0 against UWC and losing 3-0 to UJ.
“I think we can feel good about the draw against UWC. They are, after all, the defending champions. Our game against UJ was definitely not one of our performances, but as our “Coach” said, it is water under the bridge.
Aell is not lost yet if we step up against CPUT and Wits this weekend.”
Tebogo is quite versatile as a player. She has played as a centreback, a midfielder, and, on Sunday, for the first time as a striker.
Is it difficult to change positions like that?
“No, not really. Soccer is in my blood. When I’m not playing or training, I watch soccer. I’m a perpetual student of the game. I need to learn from the best.
“I am also a firm believer in putting in the extra sessions, as there is always something you can work on to improve as a player. It is not always possible to do so during training.”
Tebogo is also an avid coach, helping young players to master soccer skills. Asked as if she was coaching a Varsity Tournament team, how she would want them to play, she said, “I want them to play a possession game to score goals. It is nice to have a team passing the ball around, but at the end of the day, fans come to the stadium to see goals.”
Kickoff for Saturday’s game at Wits against CPUT is 17:30. On Sunday, Tuks plays Wits at 13:00.
