He has 10 goals and one assist in only eight games. He plays for the No. 2 ranked Saint Louis University men’s soccer team. He is Dipsy Selolwane.
Not many in America know him. Not even many at SLU know about his past prestige or current accomplishments. Not yet, anyway.
That may soon change.
But back home in Botswana, Selolwane is already a household name.
“Dipsy Selowane of Gaborone United is arguably the most sensational striker this country has ever produced. This is the very guy that the nation cries to when in desperate need of goals,” reads the unofficial Web site of the Botswana National Soccer Team.
Selolwane is a soft-spoken, well-traveled 23-year-old. As a star player on Botswana’s National Team, Selolwane is one of the most recognizable athletes in his country’s most popular sport. He’s visited with the former president of Botswana and it’s not unusual for him to play in front of 30,000 fans. He’s also acknowledged every time he walks the street. He has traveled all over the African continent, having made 15 appearances with the national team since 1998. Simply said: Selolwane is a public figure.
According to the CIA World Factbook, Botswana is similar to Texas in land mass, but its population is only 1.6 million. Botswana is a largely roadless desert, located due north of South Africa. Almost half of the country lives below the poverty level, and nearly 20 percent of the population has been inflicted with HIV or AIDS. It may seem bad, but Botswana has actually transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country since its independence in 1966.
Selolwane hails from Gaborone, the capital city that has 138,000 inhabitants. His mother recently retired from her administrative position in the Botswana government and he has an older brother and sister as well. Growing up he always wanted to someday care for his family. He knew it would be easier if he were to leave Botswana and head for a country with more opportunities-America.
“I wanted to come to America to provide a better future for both myself and my family,” said Selolwane.
In 1999, Selolwane decided to get serious about his future. He placed his soccer resume on a Web site called the Global Soccer Network. Soccer coaches from around the world use the site to recruit potential players. Almost one year after posting his credentials, Selolwane got a call. Dennis Currier, the head coach at Harris-Stowe State College in St. Louis, wanted the quick forward. Selolwane’s dream had suddenly become a possibility. Even though Currier told him not to expect tough competition or great facilities, he jumped at the chance.
It wouldn’t be easy. Harris-Stowe could only give him so much financial aid. Selolwane would have to do some fundraising on his own. He applied for and received a scholarship from the Botswana National Sports Council. The organization vowed to pay part of his tuition until he graduated. But he still had more to pay to cover the bill.
That’s when his older sister gave him the chance of a lifetime. Dolly Selolwane leased her house in Gaborone to make up the difference. She moved in with their mother so her younger brother could live his dream, her dream, the family’s dream. It was official: America beckoned.
The easy-going Selolwane arrived at Harris-Stowe and made a loud impression. He earned NAIA All-America honors by scoring a school-record 76 points (35 goals, 6 assists). Quickly, many Division I schools showed interest. No one paid more attention, however, than one school that sat right across the street. SLU head coach Dan Donigan, then an assistant under Bob Warming, saw the complete package. Selolwane was a gift that fell into SLU’s lap. For Donigan, it’s been Christmas morning ever since.
“He’s the type that every player wants on his team and every coach wants to coach,” said Donigan. “He’s the one player who continually thanks me for giving him an opportunity to play at Saint Louis U. He had to fight for everything he’s achieved, and that’s why it’s so rewarding to see him do this well.”
This year, Selolwane is Conference USA’s leading scorer with 21 points (10 goals, one assist). He is also tied for sixth in Division I in points-per-game. Selolwane has scored in eight consecutive games. It’s the first time since former Billiken great Steve Sullivan scored in 11 straight games in 1979.
“Ultimately, we’re here to help him get a high quality education, but this is also his springboard to get national exposure in hopes of a professional career,” said SLU assistant coach Mike Sorber.
If a professional career works out, that’s great. If not, Selolwane still has his education. He has hopes of one day returning to Botswana. “I want to start up an agency to help athletes mature, and have the same chance to take their education and athletic skills to a higher level,” he said. “I also want to buy my own piece of land-a ranch with cattle, where I can get away from the hectic city life.”
