Player Feature: Kgotso Phuti — The Pulse of Our Midfield

Every team needs a player who brings rhythm, confidence and control in the heart of midfield. For Mochudi Centre Chiefs, that presence comes in the form of Kgotso Phuti, a midfielder whose calm touch and intelligent movement have quickly made him an important figure within the squad.

Phuti’s journey began at the age of twelve, when he first started kicking a ball with purpose and ambition. His early development came through Zone 15 Soccer Academy, before progressing through Extension Gunners and later Jwaneng Young Stars, where his natural comfort on the ball and attacking instincts began to stand out.

When asked what drew him into football, Phuti keeps it simple. It was the love of the game — the feeling of joy that came from playing, improving and competing. That passion still shows every time he steps onto the pitch, whether he is carrying the ball between the lines or linking play with his teammates.

Like many players, his journey has not been without frustration. The biggest challenge, he admits, has been missing out on a call-up to the senior national team, something he continues to work toward with determination. Setbacks, however, have only motivated him to push harder, refine his game and grow into a more complete midfielder.

His proudest moment so far came during the 2023/24 First Division Championship, a season that confirmed his potential and earned him recognition as one of the most promising midfielders in Botswana. That success strengthened his hunger to compete at the highest level and to make a real impact with the Magosi.

When talking about roles on the pitch, Phuti doesn’t hesitate. His favourite position is attacking midfield, the space where creativity, freedom and responsibility meet. It is the role he has played most in his career, and the one where he feels most trusted to influence matches both in possession and out of it.

With his vision, work rate and ability to pick the right pass, Kgotso Phuti continues to grow into a key piece of Chiefs’ evolving identity. The club is building for the future, and players like Phuti are at the heart of that journey.