WE CAUGHT up with Moroka Swallows captain Lefa Tsutsulupa, who let us into his life.
WE CAUGHT up with Moroka Swallows captain Lefa Tsutsulupa, who let us into his life.
Q: Tell us about yourself and family.
A: I was born in 1980 in Ladybrand, Free State. My mother's name is Matlhabeli and I'm from a family of three boys. I'm the eldest. I'm married to Julia and we have two daughters: O-Molemo, 4, and O-Lerato, 1.
Q: What makes you a success?
A: I don't see myself as a success yet - more like a work in progress. But I've tried to keep everything professional in my career and stick to the fundamental principles of hard work and discipline.
Q: You've been with Swallows for a while now. Any particular reason for your loyalty?
A: After my stints with Bloemfontein Celtic and Jomo Cosmos Swallows I just fit in. When I moved to Celtic, I was young and needed a challenge.
Swallows offered stability, though in football you can never say such a thing. This is my fifth season here.
Q: Tell us about the coaches you've worked with.
A: At Celtic, Styles Phumo and Serame Letsoaka did all the groundwork. I then worked with Gavin Hunt, who made me into a professional. I also enjoyed working with Julio Leal, who addressed everything - from taking care of my health to negotiating contracts.
Q: Some of the highlights at your team?
A: When I was first appointed captain of the team it was great being voted player of the season several times, and winning the Nedbank Cup.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I have chosen to make my own path in life, so I can't really say. Writing one's own script is important because you can learn only so much from other people.
Q: Who, in your opinion, is the young player to watch in the PSL?
A: There are actually two - Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who has been brilliant for Kaizer Chiefs, and SuperSport United's Thandani Ntshumayelo.
Q: Your most difficult opponent?
A: Golden Arrows' Ntlantla Zothwane and whoever is on top of his game at the moment.
Q: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
A: Messi.
Q: The Spanish, English or Italian League?
A: Spanish, of course.
Q: Which four people would you invite to dinner?
A: My wife, David Kau, someone with money like Patrice Motsepe to pay the bill and US President Barack Obama.
Q: If you were the president what would you change about our country?
A: Get rid of corruption. This way resources are distributed to a lot more people. That will take care of the poverty and the crime.
Q: Which car do you drive? Colour?
A: A charcoal Polo Playa.
Q: If money was not an issue?
A: A Lamborghini or Bugatti.
Q: The most beautiful celebrity?
A: Alicia Keys. She is beautiful, loaded and talented.
Q: Your favourite meal?
A: Pasta and chicken.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I take my wife out to dinner, catch a movie or I study.
Q: What do you want to do after football?
A: Set up a business. Watch this space.