Tebogo Qinisile is another gem that coach Molefi Ntseki has discovered. The Free State-born midfielder seems to have cemented a place in the Amajimbos squad and will want to take advantage of this prestigious tournament that he finds himself participating in.

Tebogo Qinisile is another gem that coach Molefi Ntseki has discovered. The Free State-born midfielder seems to have cemented a place in the Amajimbos squad and will want to take advantage of this prestigious tournament that he finds himself participating in.

SAFA Media took some time out to speak to Tebogo about his football career and representing his country South Africa.

NM: Tebogo, give me brief background of your football career, living in the Bloemfontein and your family background?

TQ: I was raised by my grandmother while my mother was on the road for the most time of my childhood, and my father didn’t really play a role in my upbringing. I only started playing football in Grade 7, because I was a determined athlete representing my province, but the switch to football has been a life changing experience for me because it has helped me in a lot of aspects. I started playing for Bloemfontein Celtics two seasons ago and have had great mentors such Coach Thomas Peterson, Norman Ngomba, Prince Sani and Coach Molefi Ntseki himself.

NM: How did you end up in the national u17 squad, where were you seen and how did you feel when you were called up?

TQ:  I have to say I know Coach Molefi from his days working at Bloemfontein Celtic, and my father also works there so I had an advantage, of always knowing what Coach Ntseki expects from players. When I was called up to the Amajimbos squad it was an overwhelming feeling, because its’ every youngsters dream to represent your country. I joined the squad at a crucial stage; when they were playing the two legged qualification match against Egypt late last year.

NM: You played for Roses United last season, but now you are back at Bloemfontein Celtics player, explain how this happened?  

TQ: Bloemfontein Celtics had a partnership with my high school, Celtic would take players from my school to represent the club at junior tournaments and that’s how they found me.   I am a Celtics player, but was put on loan last season to go and play for Roses to gain match time, and being back with the senior team is great.  I believe going to Roses has helped me a lot because I am a better player now.

NM: You are an attacking midfielder, what do you think are your strengths and what do you think you bring to the national team?

TQ: I am a utility player in the midfield zone; therefore I can play both in attack and defense. But I believe my strengths are my through balls (when I don’t rush them), my reading of the game and composure when under pressure.

NM: Is this your first time out of South Africa, and what are you looking forward to in the 2015 FIFA World Cup U-17?

TQ: It is my first time on another continent, but not the first time out of South Africa; I travelled with Amajimbos to Egypt last year when we were playing qualifiers for CAN. I look forward to getting international exposure and playing against some of the world’s greatest football nations at the 2015 FIFA World Cup U-17.

NM: Name 3 footballers who have inspired your style of play or those that you look up too and why?

TQ: I am inspired by Andrea Pirlo’s style of play; he is able to make great passes especially in the final third and is very good in set pieces. Sibusiso Vilakazi eliminates players excellently and Andre Iniesta has the best quick feet in the world, he stays composed under pressure and doesn’t spend too much time on the ball.

NM: Being in Concepcion seems a lot like Bloemfontein to me, what do you think of this place, and what are you expecting come Monday, 19 October 2015 if you get a chance to play?

TQ: Yes the area and the chilly weather here does remind me of home, it is also very quiet here, although we haven’t been to many places just yet. On Monday, I expect a very intense match, with a lot of speed, but not too much physical competition. I expect the South Americans (Costa Rica) to bring a lot of skill to the match, but we too have something to show them.

NM: Give me a short message to all South Africans out there who will be watching you at the 2015 FIFA World Cup U-17?

TQ: I would like to say to South Africans, please believe in us as we think that we have what it takes to make it to the knockout stages.