27 Aug 2023

Police XI Football Club, fondly called The Jungle Kings in the football fraternity, has retired jersey number 12 in honour of former captain and playmaker, Betsho Pius.

Speaking during a night of celebration with the former football legend on Saturday at Tlotlo Conference Centre, the club chairperson Elizabeth Mamapilo said Pius’ jersey would not feature again on the football pitch in order to honour its significance and contribution to the club history.

“As we retire his jersey, we bid goodbye to an era defined by his incredible athleticism, unwavering determination and the joy he brought to countless fans from across the country.

But let us not view this as a farewell, but rather as transformation as well as turning of new leaf that leads to an equally exciting chapter,” she said.

Undoubtedly, Mamapilo said, Pius’ wealth of experience after spending 21 years with them would definitely continue to enrich the club’s journey as he currently takes role in the technical team.

Many who took to stage on the night spoke with one voice of former captain’s commitment to excellence, a hunger for success and a love for sport that was truly unmatched.

Director of operations in the Botswana Police Service, Katlholo Mosimanegape, described Pius soccer journey as laced with loads of hard work, commitment and dedication.

Mosimanegape pleaded with the retired soccer star to nurture his talent and respect it. “Pius has always been a remarkable player who has displayed excellent leadership qualities and was entrusted with the team’s arm band,” he said.

A former soccer commentator, Nelson Ditibane, talked about an intriguing and fascinating talent Pius displayed during his days on the football pitch.

“He was one of few players who were able to break into a water tight football team with the talent he possessed and could survive the storm as result of his unmatched discipline,” Ditibane said.

Ditibane said he was delighted and honoured to have rubbed shoulders with the likes of the iconic Summer Ncube, the late Oliver Pikati, Dintle ‘Valdo’ Mogomotsi, Therisanyo ‘Tshutshu’ Haake among others. Former coach, Clever Hunda, said it was discipline before skill that made Pius a complete player.

He described him as very brave and very skillful.  “He was a good listener and that made my job as a coach very simple,” added Hunda.

Childhood friend and former team mate at the junior national team, Phenyo ‘Mzambia’ Mongala shared memories of their footballing career in and off the field of play.

Mongala said Pius was not lost to football as he was entering an even exciting phase of his journey. Gamma’s father, Parkie Pius, said his son lived and breathed football from a tender age.

“Every football match that I attended Pius tagged along.”

For his appreciation remarks, Pius fought back tears and thanked his team for the unwavering support over the years.

Pius also gave a special dedication to former coach Isaiah ‘Sthanda’ Mogwadi who he said offered a launching pad for his career.

“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the privilege of donning the Jungle Kings jersey and never disappointed,” he said. ENDS