Moorosi Tsiane
BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic striker Motebang Sera has admitted that he started the current DStv Premiership 2020/21 season on a rather disappointing note after impressing in his debut season last year.
The energetic striker netted eight goals for Celtic in all competitions including scoring against power houses like eventual league winners, Mamelodi Sundowns and runners-up, Kaizer Chiefs.
The Lesotho international has experienced a slump in performance this season after falling to cement his place in Celtic’s first team.
He has so far scored only twice in all competitions this season.
Sera told the Lesotho Times on Sunday that he was working hard to improve his fortunes.
“I haven’t started the season in the preferred manner compared to last season but these are challenges that one is bound to encounter and must deal with,” Sera said.
“It is just a phase. I will continue working hard both at practices and when I am given a chance to play. A player needs a little luck sometimes and that has been lacking. I have continued working hard and creating chances but luck eluded me and that has dented my confidence because a striker gets confidence from scoring.”
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation as his club has a congested schedule given that his team is competing in the Nedbank Cup, the league and was recently knocked out of the CAF Confederations Cup.
“We are playing back-to-back matches, so it needs a strong and disciplined player because we are not getting much rest. It was tough at first because I wasn’t used to it but I had to adjust. The Covid-19 pandemic is really causing lots of problems too.”
The former Matlama talisman said he was happy to have played in the CAF Confederations Cup.
“It was an exciting experience because that is where you get to learn.”
Asked about his thoughts on local players failing to secure contracts in the more lucrative South African leagues, Sera said most players were risk averse.
“There are so many Lesotho players who can play in South Africa but they lack the courage to take chances and go for trials. We should learn from players from other African countries who are persistent and never stay in their comfort zones.
“We are afraid of rejection and we only want to go where it is guaranteed that we will be signed but that must change. We must take chances.
“Look at Masoabi (Nkoto), he went to Libya took his chance and was signed, so that should be out attitude.”
Sera said he was disappointed after Bokang Sello’s moves to Chippa United and Golden Arrows both fell through.
“I can’t really say what went wrong but I was disappointed to learn that the moves failed to materialise because I feel that he deserves more. Bokang is a talented player and he deserves to play in more professional leagues.”
Looking ahead, Sera said he is targeting to score at least 10 goals this season.
“I had set a 10-goal target last season and I missed by two goals but I am pushing for it this season. Yes, I have had a slow start but I think there is still time to achieve that. I should just keep on working hard,” Sera said.
