Mokete Tsotetsi got to play with some of Kaizer Chiefs' best players in the PSL, sharing the field with the likes of Tinashe Nengomasha, Cyril Nzama and Arthur Zwane.
The seasons
I was with Kaizer Chiefs for two seasons, from 2007 to 2009. I would say it was a nice two years and a good experience I gained with the team. I really enjoyed myself in the two years I was there.
How the move happened
It was quite a surprise because I was with Jomo Cosmos for pre-season in Denmark, after that sale of Christopher Katongo to Brondby. We were there and we came back for camp to prepare for the new season. When we came back, I went to train with Silver Stars at the time when they were about to be called Platinum Stars. I was still contracted with Cosmos. So Jomo had me train with the under-19s, but I didn't go. I went to go train with Platinum Stars because they wanted to sign me. Then Jomo sent the manager Andrew (Rabutla) to say that I need to go meet Bobby (Motaung) at Naturena. You know when Jomo calls, everything stops because he is my father. I got that call on a Friday and went to Naturena on Saturday and everything was done while I was there. That's how the move happened. At the time, Chiefs were looking for defenders.
My first day at the club
Getting into one of the big teams on the continent is not easy. I remember on my first day I was scared and thinking as I get there, the guys would look at me and wonder 'what's happening with this guy?'. Fortunately, I got there and had a warm welcome from the guys. I even remember (Gerald) Sibeko saying to Kaizer Jnr 'at least he is on your side now. He won't kick you anymore'. They were teasing me, but it was a warm welcome on the first day.
My debut
I played in the Telkom Charity Cup. I was fortunate that I played with big names, like Cyril Nzama, Fabian McCarthy, Tinashe Nengomasha, Thabo Mooki, David Mathebula, Shaun Bartlett, David Obua and Arthur Zwane. At that time, Chiefs had the best players. I was playing with the best players, so I regarded myself as one of the best players because I was playing with them.
Most memorable moment
For me, being part of the family at Chiefs was memorable, especially with the chairman. It was great being treated like a member, especially from the chairman (Kaizer Motaung). At first, I was surprised that the chairman knew my full name.
Lowest moment
I remember scoring an own goal. It's a memory that usually sticks with you.
Toughest discussion with coach or chairman
The chairman does not talk much, but when he welcomed me, he made it clear that whenever I am on the field, I am carrying millions of people and families. That was a tough discussion I had, meaning when you wear that jersey, there are families out there who are depending on you. Also having to adjust to the tactics of the coach was tough, having to understand the tactics. We were working with coach Muhsin (Ertugral) at the time.
Funny story in the dressing room
Cyril Nzama was the funny guy. He would go around teasing people. I would walk around with him and I liked to laugh. So there was one time Sibeko said 'Cyril, you don't tease Mokete'. Then he said 'You can see he is always laughing'. There was so many memories and that was a funny dressing room. Arthur Zwane is another one who would also joke around and tease you, so that you can forget about the past and work harder for the future.
Why did you leave
It was the end of the season and it just happened. I can't say what exactly happened. I was told Celtic and Cosmos want me. I ended up going to Celtic.
