TULSA – After headlining FC Tulsa’s new offseason acquisitions one year ago with the signing of a multiyear contract, midfielder Lebo Moloto returns in 2021 set on continuing to build consistency. The South African maestro, who has 27 goals and 28 assists to his name in his USL Championship regular season career will join a core group of players coming back from the roster which made the 2020 Playoffs that includes fellow returning midfielders Rodrigo da Costa and Eric Bird.
“[Coming back] means I get to hopefully represent and play a full season for FC Tulsa, but most importantly build from last year’s success,” said Moloto. “Honestly continuing to build relationships on and off the field with returnees and starting new relationships with the new signees.”
For a central midfielder like Moloto, those relationships are critical to success. The on-again, off-again nature of the 2020 season did no favors for the creative playmaker. That combined with a lack of community events due to the pandemic made connecting to a new city and new team tough last year. Moloto, who scored the first-ever FC Tulsa goal at ONEOK Field would like to see a bit more of the Tulsa-faithful in 2021.
“I feel like we were robbed of that fans and players relationship last year due to uncontrollable circumstances,” said Moloto. “I am excited and looking forward to building relationships and playing in front of our passionate fans.”
Moloto will also continue to relationship build with head coach Michael Nsien. Nsien’s balanced game plan fits a two-way midfielder like Moloto perfectly. His 27th and 28th career USL Championship assists bookended FC Tulsa record-breaking 2020 season. He opened his FC Tulsa assist account with a beauty of a thru-ball to da Costa for to clinch a crucial road point at Sacramento Republic FC and closed it with a free kick that found the head of Callum Chapman-Page to give FC Tulsa a 2-1 lead over El Paso Locomotive the Western Conference Quarterfinal postseason match.
“Lebo pulled the strings for us last year and has had that influential presence throughout his career,” said Nsien. “We expect next year that Lebo will continue to thrive in Tulsa as his teammates gain more of an understanding of how he sees the game and can make their jobs easier for them. He makes complicated situations look simple and can also add flair for spectators to enjoy. I look forward to having him back next season.”
That praise goes both ways as Moloto sees an opportunity to continue to thrive under Coach Nsien.
“I am very excited to be back with Coach Nsien,” said Moloto. “He demands a lot from each and every player, whilst also making sure everyone understands their roles. Of course, I love how he likes for us to play. Attacking and exciting football.”
As for what Moloto is most looking forward to in 2021? Simple.
“Looking to challenge for silverware this year.”
TULSA – After headlining FC Tulsa’s new offseason acquisitions one year ago with the signing of a multiyear contract, midfielder Lebo Moloto returns in 2021 set on continuing to build consistency. The South African maestro, who has 27 goals and 28 assists to his name in his USL Championship regular season career will join a core group of players coming back from the roster which made the 2020 Playoffs that includes fellow returning midfielders Rodrigo da Costa and Eric Bird.
“[Coming back] means I get to hopefully represent and play a full season for FC Tulsa, but most importantly build from last year’s success,” said Moloto. “Honestly continuing to build relationships on and off the field with returnees and starting new relationships with the new signees.”
For a central midfielder like Moloto, those relationships are critical to success. The on-again, off-again nature of the 2020 season did no favors for the creative playmaker. That combined with a lack of community events due to the pandemic made connecting to a new city and new team tough last year. Moloto, who scored the first-ever FC Tulsa goal at ONEOK Field would like to see a bit more of the Tulsa-faithful in 2021.
“I feel like we were robbed of that fans and players relationship last year due to uncontrollable circumstances,” said Moloto. “I am excited and looking forward to building relationships and playing in front of our passionate fans.”
Moloto will also continue to relationship build with head coach Michael Nsien. Nsien’s balanced game plan fits a two-way midfielder like Moloto perfectly. His 27th and 28th career USL Championship assists bookended FC Tulsa record-breaking 2020 season. He opened his FC Tulsa assist account with a beauty of a thru-ball to da Costa for to clinch a crucial road point at Sacramento Republic FC and closed it with a free kick that found the head of Callum Chapman-Page to give FC Tulsa a 2-1 lead over El Paso Locomotive the Western Conference Quarterfinal postseason match.
“Lebo pulled the strings for us last year and has had that influential presence throughout his career,” said Nsien. “We expect next year that Lebo will continue to thrive in Tulsa as his teammates gain more of an understanding of how he sees the game and can make their jobs easier for them. He makes complicated situations look simple and can also add flair for spectators to enjoy. I look forward to having him back next season.”
That praise goes both ways as Moloto sees an opportunity to continue to thrive under Coach Nsien.
“I am very excited to be back with Coach Nsien,” said Moloto. “He demands a lot from each and every player, whilst also making sure everyone understands their roles. Of course, I love how he likes for us to play. Attacking and exciting football.”
As for what Moloto is most looking forward to in 2021? Simple.
“Looking to challenge for silverware this year.”
