Local soccer star Sundowns’ new skipper

Limpopo born soccer star, Hlompho Kekana was named captain of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club for the upcoming 2016/17 PSL season on Monday. Kekana takes over from Ramahlwe Mphahlele who left the club in May to join Kaizer Chiefs.
A statement posted on Sundowns’ website quoted Kekana to have said the team consists of many good leaders whom he would be honoured to lead at any time.
“What is important is how you respond, as I know that I will be working with professionals and we all have a common goal – to win trophies for Mamelodi Sundowns,” he added.
“It will be a massive experience for me and will require of me to be level-headed and always be the best I can be and work with my team-mates for the success of the club,” Kekana continued.
The former Black Leopards player admits that he didn’t expect to be given the captain’s armband. “I really did not see this coming. I know that I am an emotional player and have invested my soul in football. I always want to win and this is the spirit in the rest of the team. I have done much behind the scenes in terms of leadership,” he said. “As individuals we might have differing opinions about issues, but in the end our common goal as players dictates what we need to do and we are looking at challenging for trophies. Our goal right now is to win.”

Story and photo: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za

Featured photo: Hlompho Kekana, captain of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club for the 1016/2017 Premier Soccer League season, hails from Zebediela.