Bellevue All Stars coach Seshoka Ramohale
By: Refilwe Sebola
Former Winnerspark mentor Seshoka Ramohale has encouraged local soccer clubs to register their teams for promotional league football rather than relying on weekly tournaments.
The 58-year-old coach, who successfully promoted two sides—Winnerspark FC and Kgapane Young Stars—from the then SAB and Vodacom leagues, believes that league football provides players with more competitive game time and is less expensive compared to tournament football.
Ramohale explained that in the weekly tournaments, commonly known as Bele le Beke, teams must pay a weekly fee while also covering transport costs for each match. In contrast, league football requires a lower overall expense, as teams only need to budget for transportation and referee fees over a season.
He pointed out that many teams struggle to afford the costs associated with tournament football, leading to some clubs failing to honor their matches. This results in players missing out on game time, whereas consistent league participation would ensure regular matches and better development opportunities.
Despite facing health challenges, Ramohale made a surprise return to football in September 2023 after partially recovering from a stroke that affected his foot and hand in June 2019. He took over as head coach of Bellevue’s oldest club, All Stars, and has remained committed to his coaching career. Although he now uses a crutch on his right side to walk, he continues to write and communicate effectively, allowing him to pursue his passion.
Having spent recent years involved in tournament football, Ramohale now hopes that his team and other clubs in the area will join the Local Football Association league for a more structured and sustainable competitive environment.