Former Gaborone United and Township Rollers forward, Tumisang Orebonye, has soared to new heights with his recent victory in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Super Cup.
Communicating with The Business Weekly Sports via WhatsApp from Algeria where he is plying his trade with USM Alger, Orebonye expressed his profound joy and sheer delight following his team’s 1-0 victory over Egyptian giants Al Ahly in a showdown in Saudi Arabia last Friday. In his own words: “What a magnificent experience! My heart knows that my God knew and did it for me. He made it possible for me. This, for me, is an absolute dream come true.
“I thank every Motswana”
“I thank every Motswana who has supported and shown me love throughout this amazing journey. I am humbly thankful. Now it’s time to spread my wings and fly higher.”
Orebonye’s remarkable journey with USM Alger has been nothing short of memorable since his move from Moroccan outfit, OCK. With 24 games played and an impressive record of one goal and two assists, he has been an instrumental figure in the team’s success. Adding to his achievements, Orebonye and his teammates clinched the CAF Confederation Cup earlier this year, earning them the coveted ticket to the CAF Super Cup where they faced off against Al Ahly. USM Alger emerged triumphant, etching Orebonye’s name in history as the first Motswana to lift the Super Cup.
A valuable ambassador
Renowned football analyst Serefete ‘Citie’ Keagakwa has showered praise on the Zebras forward, describing him as “exceptional and inspirational”. “He has also been an absolute professional,” he said. “I say this because it is not easy for a person from Botswana or anywhere else in southern Africa to go and make the impact that he is making in Northern Africa.
“The two trophies that he has won might take decades for another Motswana to reach at that level again, arguably the next generation might not get to his heights.” Keagakwa emphasised Orebonye’s role as a valuable ambassador for Botswana’s local football scene, noting that his success has sparked interest from Northern African coaches and agents in the talents of local players.
Palaye All Stars
“He has done well at OCK and USM Alger,” he noted. “Now it’s an opportunity for local players to explore the region’s market.” Orebonye began his footballing career at Palapye All Stars, a team in Botswana’s lower leagues. His talent caught the attention of another Palapye-based team, Motlakase Power Dynamos, where he played during the 2015-16 season, even though the team was ultimately relegated from the top tier league.
He later joined Gaborone United and stayed with “The Reds” from 2016 to 2018 when he moved to their rivals, Township Rollers, where he played until 2020. Fondly known as Benteke, Orebonye joined Moroccan-based outfit in OCK in late 2020. He left the team earlier this year to join USM Alger in Algeria after playing 40 games in the course of which he scored seven times and assisted six times.
