Kamohelo Mokotjo was a South African defensive midfielder known for his tackling ability, passing ability and reading of the game, who built a solid career in Dutch and English football. He gained notoriety in the Eredivisie, mainly through his spells at PEC Zwolle and FC Twente, where he stood out as a modern, technical midfielder with a great sense of positioning.
He arrived in Dutch football from South Africa as a youngster and quickly adapted to the European style, initially playing for Feyenoord, but later becoming a key player in the PEC Zwolle team that won the Dutch Cup in 2013–14 with his eye-catching, collective style of football. His consistent performance in midfield caught the attention of FC Twente, where he established himself as a central figure in the team, with a great passing accuracy, a balance between marking and building play, and a calm demeanor even under pressure.
Mokotjo was a more positional than combative midfielder, responsible for dictating the pace of the game, providing quality when moving the ball and ensuring defensive stability. After good seasons in the Netherlands, he went to Brentford in England, where he played in the Championship and helped the club evolve in the project of access to the Premier League, maintaining his regularity and experience as one of the leaders of the group.
He also played for Major League Soccer (FC Cincinnati) and the South African national team, where he was regularly called up and played in continental tournaments. Despite not being a media-savvy player, he was always praised by coaches and teammates for his consistency, tactical commitment and ability to keep the team balanced.
Other Links:
Kamohelo Mokotjo – FC Twente grab a bargain | Total Dutch Football | English
South Africa's Mokotjo on the rise in Holland | BBC Sport | EnglishVideos:Kamohelo Mokotjo ● De Generaal ● EX FC Twente.
FC Twente 2 - 2 PEC Zwolle (16-10-2016)