Grant Kekana accepts World Cup omission after injury-hit season

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says he would have loved to represent South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, but has accepted being left out of the Bafana Bafana squad for the tournament.

Kekana played an important role under head coach Hugo Broos during South Africa’s qualification campaign, helping the team reach the global finals. He was also part of the squad that won a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, a lengthy battle with injuries disrupted the centre-back’s domestic season and restricted him to 15 appearances.

Although Kekana recovered his fitness and returned to the Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI, he was not included in the final squad selected to travel to the World Cup. South Africa were subsequently eliminated in the Round of 32.

Speaking to KickOff, the 33-year-old said he understood that selection decisions ultimately rested with the coach and that he did not feel entitled to a place in the national team.

“Look, in life, sometimes you have to accept when it’s your time to be there or not. Never feel entitled. Maybe my part was to help [Bafana] in the beginning, to help where I can,” said Kekana, speaking toKickOff.

“I have never felt entitled to be in the national team. That happened because it had to happen.

“My part is just to do my work on the field; whether I get chosen or not is obviously always up to the coach.

“There are no hard feelings.

“Yes, I would have loved to represent my country; I would have loved to play in the World Cup. I think that’s the ultimate dream, but I have accepted that I am [was] not there.

“I played my part, and that’s what I am happy about,” he added.

Kekana had been a consistent presence in Broos’ plans before his injury problems. His contribution during the qualification campaign helped South Africa secure their place at the tournament, while his defensive performances also formed part of the team’s run to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

It remains to be seen whether the defender will return to international contention when Pitso Mosimane takes charge of Bafana Bafana. South Africa’s next assignment will be the AFCON qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in September.

Kekana faces strong competition for a place in the squad, particularly from younger defenders. Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane and Olwethu Makhanya are among the players competing for positions in the national team.

Despite missing out on the World Cup, Kekana said he was satisfied with the part he played in helping South Africa reach the finals. His comments were made during a new Home Kit shoot at Loftus Versfeld in mid-June.

The full interview appears in KICK OFF Magazine, which is available at major retail stores.