KABELO MOAGI:
A WISE
HEAD
ON
YOUNG SHOULDERS

Kabelo Moagi during the DStv Diski Challenge 2021/22 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns© Muzi Ntombela - BackpagePixAuthor: Dumisani KoyanaThe DSTV Compact Cup earlier this year provided supporters of the beautiful game with some local football action while the Africa Cup of Nations took place in Cameroon. One of such players who grabbed the opportunity with both feet was talented youngster Kabelo ‘KB’ Moagi.Moagi was one of seven Brazilians who represented Dan Malesela’s Dinaledi FC in the tournament. The 18-year-old was happy with such an opportunity to rub shoulders with the big guns early in his career.

“I will always remember the Compact Cup like it was yesterday. Being on the pitch with phenomenal and experienced players allowed me to understand the game even more. I played with several players that I look up to like Lesedi Kapinga, Gastón Sirino, Kermit Erasmus and so on,” Moagi stated.
The eventual selection of the reserve team midfielder came as a surprise to Coach Manqoba Mngqithi. KB would go on to repay the faith of the supporters at the tournament as Dinaledi finished third thanks to a 1-0 win over Amabutho.

Subsequently, Coach Manqoba reckoned that the youngster is destined for the first team very soon. “I am so surprised by how good the boy is. I could see him playing for the Brazilians in the near future. You can see the positive spin-offs of the introduction of young players into this kind of space,” stated the Sundowns tactician.
Kabelo Moagi during the DStv Diski Challenge 2021/22 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns© Muzi Ntombela - BackpagePixUnder the tutelage of Mamelodi Sundowns legend Surprise Moriri, Moagi has shown his class in recent seasons in the DStv Diski Challenge. KB recently captained the Under-18 to the final of the Engen Knockout Challenge, scoring in the final as Sundowns lost out on penalties to Kaizer Chiefs.

On his long-term plans with the club, Kabelo states that “Mamelodi Sundowns is one of the best teams in Africa. I want to be part of the club’s quest to become the best on the continent. My main objective is to be part of the side that will someday win the FIFA Club World Cup and to make more history with the club. I will keep on striving hard to ensure that my name is etched into the record books at Masandawana.”
The Soweto-born midfielder also spoke highly of some of the players in the first team that he looks up to for inspiration.

“Lesedi Kapinga is like an elder brother because he listened attentively when I spoke, regardless of whether I was from the Diski Team during the Compact Cup. Rushine De Reuck is another figure at the club that has inspired me. His story from grass to glory always motivates me to be a better footballer and person,” KB stated.

Kabelo also highlighted some philosophies that underpin his career thus far, “I always believe in working smart rather than working hard. I am striving to be the greatest and not the best. There are alcoholics and there are workaholics. I am a perfect definition of the latter,” Kabelo said smiling.
DStv Diski Challenge 2021/22 match between Chippa United and Mamelodi Sundowns© Sydney Mahlangu - BackpagePixAfter giving Coach Manqoba something to think about at the DSTV Compact Cup, Moagi’s next step will be to break into the first team. KB's ability as a young playmaker earmarks him as one of the prospects to watch out for in the near future.
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