Tshepang Moremi overcomes early setbacks to shine at Orlando Pirates

Tshepang Moremi doesn’t let early shortcomings define his journey, as he believes that he can reach his final destination as long as he continues to believe in himself and work hard.

Blessed with good technique, pacey legs and an eye for goal, Moremi arrived at Orlando Pirates full of fire in his belly, thinking he would introduce himself to the Ghost in style, especially after a relatively lukewarm reception to his arrival, having been part of nine new signings unveiled by the club.

However, instead of being an instant fit at the club, Moremi became a victim of the “boo boys” due to a shaky start, which made some of the Ghost lose hope in him ever looking the part in the famous black-and-white colours of the Bucs.

But thanks to the support of his teammates – particularly childhood friend and homeboy Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou – Moremi gradually found his feet at the club.

He admits that being targeted for his sloppiness and slow start cut deep, but the onus was still on him to get out of the dark hole.

“When I was playing, I didn’t realise that they were booing me,” Moremi said. “I only heard after the game, when the players were talking, that some fans were booing some players.

“I was hurt, but I didn’t take it to heart. I thought to myself that it’s something that happens anywhere in the world.”

Kudos to that perspective and self-belief, Moremi endeared himself to the Ghost. He came off the bench to help the team win their record-extending fourth MTN8 crown – and the first piece of silverware of his career – after scoring two goals and registering an assist in the 3–0 win over Stellenbosch in the final.

Since that fateful night in Nelspruit, Moremi has been hellbent on breaking boundaries, winning the Carling Knockout with Pirates – their first in three attempts – helping the Sea Robbers finish top of the Betway Premiership before the Christmas break, and making the Bafana Bafana final squad for AFCON, where he both scored and assisted.

“When I started out, it wasn’t easy for me, but I knew where I wanted to go and that my future was too bright,” Moremi reflected on the past few months.

“I knew that I was on the right path and that I would achieve my targets, even though it wasn’t easy. I have since grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”

While Moremi is satisfied with all that he has achieved in the last few months and still not letting go of the opportunity to be a talisman of the team, he has stated the achievement that he and the team are yearning for this season.

“The belief is there because we are working hard each and every day,” Moremi said. “I want to win the league, and this season we will win it. We have to take it step by step. It won’t be a straight and narrow route.

“We have to believe in that. The league, however, re tsamaya le yona. Nomakanjani (… we are walking away with it, dark or blue).

“We have a good squad and we are confident. The love among the players is there. The mood is always high, so we are confident that we are walking away with the league.”

With eight goals and one assist to his name in 21 matches this season, Moremi has made a significant contribution at Pirates. However, he didn’t instantly become a regular starter, something that doesn’t bother him to this day.

“From my own perspective, whether I start the game or start on the bench, that doesn’t mean anything to me,” Moremi said. “When I get a chance, I make it a point that I give my best.”

Moremi has credited legendary Bafana striker Benni McCarthy for giving him his breakthrough and nurturing him at AmaZulu, and current Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane for being hard on him. That is why he would want to honour the duo by winning the title at Pirates, especially after McCarthy was part of the last group to win it in 2012.

“I think it would be a great feeling to win the league, because it’s not won by everyone,” Moremi said. “I would feel great and blissful.”