Why Joel, why now
Source : Kutlwano
Author : Anastacia Sibanda
Location : Gaborone
Event : interview
Besides playing football, smiling is what he knows best. Even when days are dark he always counts it all joy. He will always smile as if nothing is wrong. Thus, the best players have often gone through hardships, pain and agony but their return often as sensational and emotional as is awe-inspiring too.
Certainly, Joel Mogorosi is no different. Botswana would not have made a historic appearance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) showpiece in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea had it not been for the likes of Mogorosi with his blazing pace and intelligent crosses down the flanks. He tirelessly worked his socks off throughout the qualifiers and contributed immensely to the team`s success.
A feared force, he was always a threat to defenders and football fanatics throughout the country. Irrespective of club affiliation, all had their hopes pinned on him to set the AFCON scene ablaze with his blistering pace and skill.
However, it`s now a known fact that Zebras speedy winger, Joel “16” Mogorosi`s dreams of participating at this year`s African soccer showpiece went up in smoke, thanks to an arm injury he sustained during a training camp in Cameroon, just days before the tournament. Joel would have loved to be part of the 368 African players taking part in the 16-nation tournament but his “16” epithet failed him at the last hurdle.
No doubt he was the missing component of the Zebras` jigsaw. When he jetted back home via Sir Seretse Khama International Airport from Cameroon, the atmosphere suddenly became tense as signs of disappointment and despair replaced the hitherto smiling faces of throngs of Batswana who came to welcome their hero.
The question that lingered in every Motswana`s mind was, “why Joel, why now?” However, who are we to question God`s will? Maybe he was being pushed aside to save him from some lurking danger ahead but what is important to note is that the man himself accepted his fate.
More often the old adage ‘behind a strong man is a strong woman` seems now a clichŽ`, yet in Mogorosi`s case holds true. A confident woman who possesses unshakable resilience and strength, Mogorosi`s fiance, Naledi Pule, has been his pillar of strength when chips are down.
Naledi has remained strong throughout his tough time. Therefore, there is no doubt that she will make her feel better. However, Mogorosi told Kutlwano that all his hard work was in vain given he would not participate in the AFCON tournament.
He says despite his absence he was with his teammates in spirit as they made their maiden appearance in Africa`s premier soccer show. The speedy winger said his injury would not demoralise the rest of the team.
Conversely, it served as a motivating factor. “My absence was not supposed to dwell on their minds. Like soldiers they had to fight for their country because when one soldier is down, you become even more vicious,” he said.
Teaser:
Besides playing football, smiling is what he knows best. Even when days are dark he always counts it all joy. He will always smile as if nothing is wrong...
