PSL oldest player: Orbit coach reveals secret to Atisang Batsi’s longevity | OneFootball

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Makhoye sheds light on Batsi's longevity

Photo: Atisang Batsi

Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye has revealed the secret behind the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) oldest player Atisang Batsi’s longevity and how he keeps the veteran on his toes.

The 42-year-old midfielder joined the Northwest-based outfit in August 2021 and helped the club to secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship during the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs in 2023, earning player of the tournament accolade in the process.

Last season, Batsi played an integral part in Orbit’s promotion to the Betway Premiership by virtue of winning the PSL Promotion/Relegation playoffs over Casric Stars and Cape Town City after finishing third in the second-tier standings.

Now, playing in the topflight in his early 40s, the Orbit captain has featured in all four matches so far this season and lasted for the entire 90 minutes in three of those encounters, including in the recent defeat to Orlando Pirates in their last league outing.

Makhoye, who rose to prominence in the Orbit dugout along with Batsi from the amateur ranks, has shared the factors behind the player’s longevity in the game and how he keeps motivated for the next match as he turns 43 next month.

“Batsi, it’s all about the lifestyle, he is disciplined. He doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t drink, so he trains and the way he conducts himself I think he can play until 45, because we also help him in terms of training,” said the Orbit mentor.

“We have a special training program for him, where sometimes we even give him two days off so that he can always come back in MD-1 before the game. I think the secret is all about training well and making sure that he stays healthy and disciplined.

Batsi will be determined to retain his place in the starting XI when the Mswenko Boys host TS Galaxy in their Betway Premiership clash under the lights of Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday. The newly promoted side is on a two-game losing streak.