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.
LEFA a work in progress
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.
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