Makgalwa Opens About Club Form And Bafana Aspiration

Sekhukhune United forward Keletso Makgalwa has spoken about Babino Noko’s early-season form, which has culminated in him making Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Makgalwa, 28, who is yet to make a senior national team appearance for South Africa, has featured in all his side’s matches this campaign.

“For me, it’s something that I’ve been praying about, and when I saw my name on the preliminary squad, I was a little excited, and I even called my family, you know, and I feel that time has arrived, you know,” said the former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker.

The attacker, who was nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season last term, and his teammates have made a great start to the season with 20 points from their opening nine games, which sees them on top of the log standings, before dropping to second on Saturday following a loss to Polokwane City. 

“I would say we had a good preseason with the coach and with the help from his technical team, and we’ve been working very hard. We’ve been analysing our games, the last season’s games, and told ourselves that we need to improve there and there, which is now helping us at this point,” said Makgalwa, on his side’s early-season momentum.

The Sundowns academy graduate is one of four Sekhukhune players to have made the 45-man Bafana Bafana preliminary squad, with Renaldo Leaner, Vuyo Letlapa, and Siphesihle Mkhize making up Babina Noko’s contingent.

“I need to work extra hard to make sure that I make it into the 23 (23-man squad),” added Makgalwa.

It remains to be seen whether the former Upington City forward can propel his side to further heights and fulfil his Bafana ambition.

Broos will announce the final squad in the coming days. 

Article by Sompisi Ntuli