Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana have explained what makes his formidable partnership with Mothobi Mvala tick at the club and national team level.
The duo’s partnership guided Sundowns to a historic African Football League [AFL] triumph in November last year and helped Bafana finish third at the just-ended CAF AFCON tournament held in Ivory Coast.
In South Africa, we have witnessed a few fantastic centre-back pairings that stood out over the years. Who can forget Tefu Mashamaite and Erick Mathoho’s stellar partnership at Kaizer Chiefs, Bongani Khumalo and Morgan Gould at SuperSport United, and last but not least, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Buhle Mkhwanazi at Bidvest Wits.
GRANT KEKANA ON HIS FORMIDABLE PAIRING WITH MOTHOBI MVALA
Kekana revealed that his partnership with Mvala is based on mutual understanding, great communication, and respect. “Well, I think me and Mthobi it goes on even off the pitch,” said Kekana on Radio 2000 on Wednesday night.
“You know, we are good mates. We are always joking around. I make fun of him a lot, but it’s the relationship that we have. But most importantly, we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and when to be there for each other.
“I think we have played together for about three seasons now. So, it becomes easier because we are used to each other.
“You know, we train together every day, and we know our level of communication. So, that makes it a bit easier getting to gel well together.”
WHO COVERS FOR WHO?
Kekana further stated that they do not compete but try to make their partnership the best and cover for each other on the field of play.
“I know ‘Swaar’ will be the first in line to take the hit [to cover for me], and I know he plays with his heart honestly. So, I know if anything happens, I might be there to cover him as well because he’s the soldier in the team,” he added.
“He’s the first person to take to war, and that’s a good attribute that he has to be playing alongside him.”
Bafana Ba Style will return to action on Saturday, 17 February, against Orlando Pirates at home in a DStv Premiership clash. The game will start at 20:00.
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