Royal AM goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane dreams of an overseas move

While numerous South African outfield players represent the country abroad, little attention is given to goalkeepers. Despite being 29 years old, Molotsane remains confident that it’s not too late for her to pursue European opportunities.

Encouraged by the success of Banyana Banyana on the international stage, including reaching the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and clinching the African Women’s Nations Cup title in 2022, Molotsane maintains an optimistic outlook regarding the prospects for local goalkeepers seeking opportunities abroad.

Molotsane recipient of the Hollywoodbets Goalkeeper of the Season award for the 2021/2022 campaign, is enthusiastically seeking a foray into European football to challenge herself and identify areas for improvement in her game.

Having participated in Banyana’s training camp, she now craves further opportunities, including a significant move overseas.

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“We’ve seen players like Roxanne Baker and Kaylin Swart succeed abroad, and I aspire to do the same. I believe that local goalkeepers like us aren’t lacking in skill; rather, we lack exposure. Opportunities exist, and we’re continuously improving as goalkeepers here. It would be inspiring to witness more South African goalkeepers making their mark overseas, myself included. I’m hopeful for that chance to pursue my dream of playing in Europe,” Moletsane expressed during her interview with SABC Sport.

Drawing inspiration from the Spanish 2010 World Cup champion and Real Madrid icon, Iker Casillas, Molotsane found her passion for goalkeeping. Despite initially playing as an outfield player, watching Casillas in action ignited a fervent longing within her to don the gloves. She frequently delves into his match footage to analyze his reflexes and distribution skills striving to emulate his mastery between the goalposts.

“Casillas was my inspiration, as I wasn’t originally a goalkeeper, and I still consider myself a student of the game, learning every day. He’s one of the legends who motivated me to pursue goalkeeping, and I aspire to emulate his style and exude his confidence while guarding the goalposts,” Moletsane expressed.