Kekana on his lack of game time at Sundowns: ‘I hope it is not to spite me’

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has shed light on his recent lack of game time under the new technical team which is led by Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena.

The veteran midfielder featured heavily during Pitso Mosimane’s tenure as head coach but he has suddenly found himself either kicking his heels on the bench or out in the stands.

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Kekana has a total of 500 minutes on the pitch this season which amounts to 10 games across all competitions for Sundowns.

And while he respects and accepts the technical team’s decision, Kekana hopes his lack of game time isn’t an attempt to spite him by any member of the Sundowns technical team.

The 35-year-old made it clear that there are no issues between him and the technical team as far as he’s aware, suggesting that he also doesn’t know why he hasn’t been playing regularly.

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“I respect and accept the decisions the technical team have taken because the team is winning but I hope me not playing is not to spite me as an individual because that would be childish and petty,” Kekana told TimesLIVE.

“I think it is important to clarify there is no problem between myself and the technical team.”

“I can’t take personal issues onto the pitch and I hope that whatever decisions have been taken by the technical team is not trying to prove anything to anybody,” he added.

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Furthermore, Kekana confirmed that he is not injured and that he’s waiting for his opportunity to get back into the team just like any other member of the Sundowns squad.

“I am not injured at the moment,” confirmed Kekana.  

“I am waiting for an opportunity like any other player who has not been playing regularly, and I hope mine will come soon. I am happy the team is doing well and we haven’t lost a match so far this season,” he added.

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Kekana is just pleased that the Brazilians have been doing well thus far even without his contribution on the pitch although he feels he also deserves an opportunity.  

“It is an opportunity for other guys to play and those who are playing must do so knowing they must help the team to win matches. I am happy they are doing well at the moment.”

“I am still a player for Sundowns. I believe any player deserves an opportunity to play and I am waiting for my opportunity,” added Kekana.