JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs’ latest acquisition Letlhogonolo Mirwa said on Monday he was ecstatic to have joined the club he has followed since childhood.
“I grew up supporting Chiefs and when the golden opportunity came to sign for Amakhosi, I didn’t think twice. To become a part of this great institution is the greatest occasion for any young player in South Africa.”
Mirwa hails from a small village called Segakwaneng, near Moruleng, a village 65km north of Rustenburg. Amakhosi snapped him up from ABC Motsepe League side Buya Msuthu, where he spent last season.
“I believe it is by God’s grace that I am here because it has not been an easy journey for me given my family background,” he says. “I have two beautiful sisters (Oreneile and Oretshepile) who look up to me as their older brother.”
Even though he loves football, Mirwa has always tried to find balance between the game and his studies.
Player Updates
So much speculation, so many rumours, yes Amakhosi Faithful, our Family is expanding!
We want to confirm the signing of Khama Billiat, Letlhogonolo Mirwa and Andriamirado Andrianarimanana.
Welcome to the Amakhosi Family! https://t.co/Ar8PXvpqHc #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/bbexu826B5
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 22, 2018
He studied for a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science at the University of North West in Mafikeng, but was unable to complete the course owing to financial difficulties.
However, he refused to give up on his education and subsequently enrolled at the Rosebank College, where he is currently studying Public Administration.
“It is important to find a balance between football and school because football is a short-lived career and I want to equip myself for the future when my career is over,” says Mirwa.
Last season Mirwa played for Buya Msuthu in the Second Division league and, even though his team missed out on promotion to the First Divison, he believes his commitment and dedication helped him get noticed by the biggest club in the country.
“I worked hard during the season and we went to the play-offs where we did not do as well as expected. I believe in team work and we gave it our best but unfortunately came up just short,” he notes, philosophically.
The left-back, who goes by the nickname of ‘Scara’, says he looks up to Marcelo of Brazil and Real Madrid for inspiration on the pitch.
Below: find out more about the player they call 'Scara'
“I am determined to take this once in a lifetime opportunity with both hands. I am here to make my mark at Chiefs and justify the faith the club has shown in signing me,” he added.