No hard feelings – Sundowns star Grant Kekana opens up on South Africa World Cup snub

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has revealed that he has accepted his omission from the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that he holds no grudges over missing out on the global showpiece.

The experienced defender was not included in the South African squad that represented the country at the World Cup in June and July, despite previously enjoying a consistent run of call-ups under former head coach Hugo Broos.

Kekana was among the players who featured in Broos’ plans during the Belgian coach’s early matches in charge of Bafana Bafana and had hoped to earn a place in the squad for the tournament.

However, the Mamelodi Sundowns star ultimately missed out, bringing an end to his hopes of representing South Africa on football’s biggest stage.

Despite the disappointment, Kekana has chosen to look at the situation positively, explaining that players must understand that selection is ultimately the decision of the coach and that no player should feel entitled to a place in the national team.

The 33-year-old believes his role may simply have been to contribute to Bafana Bafana during the early stages of his international career and help the team whenever he was called upon.

“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 to KickOff.

“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 was not there.”

Kekana’s comments underline his professional approach to the disappointment, with the defender refusing to allow his World Cup omission to overshadow his achievements with both club and country.

Although he would have relished the opportunity to play at the World Cup, he has accepted the decision and remains focused on performing at the highest level for Mamelodi Sundowns.

The defender will now look to put the disappointment behind him and continue his club career, while remaining open to any future opportunities with the national team.