Former Orlando Pirates dribbling wizard Thabo Rakhele has explained how scoring against Kaizer Chiefs kick-started his career at Township Rollers FC in the Botswana Premier League.

Rakhele ended his one-year hiatus by signing recently for Rollers and wasted no time in winning over the team’s fans.

The winger showed that he still has it when he scored for Rollers in the 1-0 win over visiting Chiefs in a friendly at the National Stadium in Gaborone on July 31 2023.

In an interview with Rollers media team, the 33-year-old reflected on his dream start to life in Botswana and the love he is getting from the fans.

“It is a great feeling that they were interested in signing me. I feel special to be part of this family coming to play for a big team after also coming from a big family [Pirates] in South Africa,” he said.

“Management and supporters welcomed me well, especially management because they made me feel like not like an outsider. Everything was smooth. I appreciate what they have done for me. I am hoping we will have a good relationship going forward.”

Rakhele then added that scoring against Chiefs brought him back memories of his days with the Buccaneers.

“It was a great feeling to score against Chiefs. As an individual, this has always given me self-motivation and scoring becomes a bonus for me especially in a game like that where the crowd; where the stadium was full,” he said.

“Since back home in South Africa, I have always enjoyed playing against them [Chiefs] and going forward, I am looking forward to having such games here in Botswana. I saw how people love football.”

Rakhele also played for Chippa United and TTM in South Africa before reviving his career in Botswana.

The former Sekhukhune United player is among the growing legion of South African players seeking greener pastures in Botswana alongside the likes of Siphamandla Sangweni, Sfiso Myeni and Rooi Mahamutsa.