Magesi FC midfielder Deolin Mekoa has explained how the collapsed dream move to Mamelodi Sundowns, which initially seemed ideal, was ultimately an eye-opener.
Mekoa was close to penning a deal with the reigning DStv Premiership champions, Sundowns, in 2016 while at Maritzburg United. But the move collapsed, and the midfielder ended up at Ajax Cape Town.
His career looked like it was dwindling after he also found himself at the SAFA ABC Motsepe League playing for Summerfield Dynamos FC.
But a reunion with coach Clinton Larsen at newly promoted side Magesi FC has seen Mekoa resurrect his career. He has featured in almost all the matches since joining the club during the January transfer window period.
WHY THE COLLAPSED MAMELODI SUNDOWNS MOVE NEVER DEMORALISED Deolin Mekoa
The 30-year-old admits that the collapsed move has shaped him to be where he is today.
“Yeah, I think it did. Every player in life has their ups and downs. But for me, that never stopped me from dreaming,” he told FARPost.
The attacker described playing in the lower leagues of SA football as a blessing in disguise. He is now set for a return to the top-flight with Magesi, who won the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
“I still continued playing. Obviously, things didn’t go my way. After Maritzburg, I went to Ajax [Cape Town], then Bizana Pondo Chiefs, and then they got relegated, and then I went to Summerfield.
“So, for me, I think that was where I realised that I must not give up. I must work hard; something will come up. So, for me, that was the real turning point, you know.
“Even though I was playing in the ABC Motsepe League for me, it wasn’t that I didn’t think about going back to the PSL. I still worked hard and played my best game. So, for me, it made me stronger.”
On what really happened with the Sundowns deal, Mekoa had this to say. “I am not sure about that; I am absolutely not sure about that.”
RELATED STORY: How a soccer ball donation influenced the formation of Magesi FC
