Keletso Sifama had epileptic seizures during soccer matches. The Katlehong native made his pro debut with Kaizer Chiefs at just 17, but his health made those early years rough. What began as a bright start in soccer came with a lot of pain away from the game.
The fits struck at Chiefs, Pretoria Callies, and while he was on national team duty. Some came midgame. Pretty tough stuff. Yet Sifama kept playing and refused to give up. Medical care helped as he got older, and he says the seizures have stopped.
His club career had its ups and downs as well. Chiefs sent him on loan to Maritzburg United, Pretoria Callies, and Casric Stars. A full move to Cape Town Spurs came next, but that stint did not go as he had hoped.
Still, Sifama does not fault his illness for his Chiefs exit. He sees it as a choice the club made, and he holds no grudge. That part of his career is behind him, but he still has a lot he wants to prove.
Gomora United has given the 23-year-old another shot in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. His goal is to play in the top league again, and he believes hard work can get him there.
Faith plays a big part in his outlook as well. Prayer and belief, he says, helped him stay strong through the hard parts. For the young forward, the focus is on getting better at soccer and making the most of his chance at Gomora.
The fits struck at Chiefs, Pretoria Callies, and while he was on national team duty. Some came midgame. Pretty tough stuff. Yet Sifama kept playing and refused to give up. Medical care helped as he got older, and he says the seizures have stopped.
His club career had its ups and downs as well. Chiefs sent him on loan to Maritzburg United, Pretoria Callies, and Casric Stars. A full move to Cape Town Spurs came next, but that stint did not go as he had hoped.
Still, Sifama does not fault his illness for his Chiefs exit. He sees it as a choice the club made, and he holds no grudge. That part of his career is behind him, but he still has a lot he wants to prove.
Gomora United has given the 23-year-old another shot in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. His goal is to play in the top league again, and he believes hard work can get him there.
Faith plays a big part in his outlook as well. Prayer and belief, he says, helped him stay strong through the hard parts. For the young forward, the focus is on getting better at soccer and making the most of his chance at Gomora.
