Gomolemo Kekana determined to overcome frustration at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Gomolemo Kekana says he is focusing on making the most of every opportunity as he works to establish himself in the club’s first team.

The 19-year-old has found regular senior football difficult to secure since breaking through at the Tshwane club. Although he appeared twice in the Betway Premiership at the start of last season, those matches remained his only first-team opportunities during the campaign.

Kekana instead spent much of the season playing in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), Sundowns’ reserve competition.

His progress has continued to be interrupted this season. He has made one appearance for Sundowns’ first team and has recently featured in the DDC, leaving him without a consistent run of senior matches.

Injuries have also affected his development, but Kekana insists he remains committed to working hard while waiting for another chance.

“I am a very confident person, confident player. Always positive, so every time I get onto the pitch, I just want to do my best. That’s up to me and to give my best on the pitch and that’s what I am going to do,” Kekana told the media while with the national under-23 squad.

He acknowledged that his situation could be frustrating, but said representing South Africa was an important source of motivation.

“It could be frustrations here and there, but you just have to focus on what you want and I am glad to be here to represent my country, which is very important for me.”

Kekana was involved as South Africa’s under-23 side beat Madagascar 1-0 in the first leg of their U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Madagascar, known as the Islanders, used the Atteridgeville venue for the match because they do not have a stadium that meets the required compliance standards.

The second leg will also be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday.