Hlompho Kekana

Black Leopards manager Tshifiwa Thidiela says the GladAfrica Championship side “will always be home” to Hlompho Kekana. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena gives update on Hlompho Kekana’s situation

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has given an update on midfielder Hlompho Kekana’s situation at the club.

Hlompho Kekana

Black Leopards manager Tshifiwa Thidiela says the GladAfrica Championship side “will always be home” to Hlompho Kekana. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has given an update on midfielder Hlompho Kekana’s situation at the club. 

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Kekana’s situation at Sundowns has been a rather confusing one, having been seemingly frozen out of the squad.

Sundowns continue winning without Kekana

Sundowns have found themselves getting off to a flying start to this season’s DStv Premiership. The Brazilians are currently yet to taste defeat in all competitions so far, and have just advanced into the CAF Champions League group stage, before lifting the MTN 8 Cup just last weekend under Mokwena and co. but this time, without Kekana who had been a constant fixture in pictures of Masandawana sides lifting trophies. 

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This season, however, Kekana has been nowhere near the Sundowns side with even talk earlier on that the veteran had retired. Earlier in the year Kekana came out with a heart felt message on social media that commemorated his 10th year at the club. However, many, including sections of the media interpreted that post as his farewell message.

Retirement rumours unconfirmed

Before those reports, the rumour was that Kekana had played his last game for Sundowns and that the club offered him an ultimatum. Either he stays on at the club in an ambassadorial role, or he gets sent out on loan to another club, with his contract at the club set to expire in 2024. None of these rumours were confirmed, however. 

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After the MTN 8 Cup win, Mokwena was quizzed on Kekana’s future at Sundowns and he gave an update.

Mokwena’s update

“I think the club will issue out a statement, there are good plans. This is a very good club that treats its people very well,” he said after the game.Hlompho (Kekana) is no different, he deserves the respect this club is giving him. I think… I don’t want to say too much but let’s wait for the club to issue a formal statement.” Said Mokwena. 

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Kekana has played 339 times for Sundowns, scoring 38 goals and registering 22 assists over his glittering career.