Soccer legend, Frank “MacGregor” Moloto
By: Refilwe Sebola
The Greater Letaba Local Football Association (LFA) has done the honorable thing of naming their new youth development league after soccer legend, Frank “McGregor” Moloto.
The move was approved by SAFA regional president Vincent Ramphao who also acknowledged Moloto’s contribution to the game.
“McGregor” is one of the first players from Bolobedu to play professional football in the late 80s. He played for Wits University in 1987 under the mentorship of English coach Terry Paine and later played with the likes of Mike “Sporo” Mangena at Moroka Swallows before joining Witbank Aces a year later.
He later joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 1989 with the help of Dr Motsiri Itsweni just before the club was sold to the Krok family. At Sundowns he played with the likes of Malawian international Earnest Chirwani and former Alhly SC coach Pitso Mosimane to name just a few.
Many soccer lovers know him as the founder of the now defunct DVK Sundowns and CCV Chiefs in the early 90s. The 59 year-old’s passion and sacrifice for the game is unmatched.
He was the first man to utilize the newly built Kgapane Stadium in the 90s when it remained unused two years after it was opened. He brought in to the township special players like Zambian international Chris Mwakapuki, Handry Gondwe and Dumisa Ngobe who came with the Foreign X1 team.
He also invited Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates reserves in 1995 and 96. It was because of him that many people in the township had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kaizer Chiefs legend Ace Ntsolengue, Jan “Malombo” Lechaba and Sputla Ndlapo who came with the SA Masters team in 1996.
“McGregor” inspired the formation of many teams in Kgapane in the 90s. The now retired school teacher surprisingly used up his first salary to buy soccer boots for all his players in 1991.
“MacGregor” could not hide his excitement upon hearing the good news “I am very grateful that my contribution in the game has been recognized. I feel blessed to be honored while I am still alive. Thank you very much LFA for the honour” he said. Many soccer lovers also suggested that the Kgapane Stadium should be named in his honour.