Kekana Vows To Regain Top Form After Injury Layoff
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has expressed his determination to regain his top form after a frustrating injury layoff that saw him miss several crucial games, including four FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September and October.
Kekana, who last played in August when Sundowns lost to Orlando Pirates in the second leg semifinal of the MTN8 Cup, has now recovered from his injury.
The former SuperSport United defender was available in the matchday squad for the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg match against Remo Stars in Nigeria, then started the game in the second leg on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
“I think that’s how football goes, it’s a game of seasons, but every day I push myself up to do my best,” said Kekana.
The 32-year-old defender emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity in his journey back to full fitness.
“There will be occasions where maybe not to stretch, but as a team we’re a unit and we’re full of brothers,” he stated.
“When one is down, I can count on the others to pick me up, and I think my job is to work as hard as I can, knowing very well that I have full support from my teammates and coaches to get back to the level that is expected of me, and that’s what I’m working on right now.”
Kekana’s determination to regain his top form is motivated by his desire to reclaim his place in the Bafana Bafana squad, especially with the AFCON around the corner.
The Sundowns defender has been working tirelessly to rediscover the form that once made him a regular fixture in the Bafana Bafana setup.
In addition to his personal goals, Kekana also had words of encouragement for his teammate Ronwen Williams, who has been nominated for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second time in a row.
“I think I’m happy and I’m so proud of him because we started at the same time at SuperSport and we also played against each other at the development level, ” Kekana said.
“For him to reach the level he has reached in such consistency, it’s not a fluke. I think everyone can see that he’s always working hard, learning, and willing to help others around him.
“He is representing himself well, but also the club and his family. All I can say is to wish him the best, and I wish he could come back with the award.”
Williams will be hoping to win this award for the second time in a row, as he won it last season for his impressive display at Sundowns and also at Bafana Bafana.
