Sekhukhune United winger Keletso Makgalwa has reflected on the struggles he faced during his stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, revealing what held him back at the club.
The highly-rated attacker rediscovered his best form in the past few seasons after parting ways with Sundowns in 2023. Makgalwa came through the Brazilians’ development structures, and he was promoted to the first team in the 2017/18 season under then-head coach Pitso Mosimane.
During his time at Masandawana, the skilful winger was mostly used as an impact player, making most appearances as a second-half substitute. After batting to cement a regular starting berth at Sundowns, Makgalwa was sent out on loan to teams such as TS Galaxy, Moroka Swallows, and All Stars.
The 28-year-old eventually left Sundowns after the unsuccessful loan spells. Makgalwa signed with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Upington City FC in October 2023 after leaving the Tshwane giants.
Makgalwa regained his best form in the NFD, which earned him a move back to the SA top-flight after signing with Sekhukhune at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
In his first season at Babina Noko, Makgalwa scored six goals and contributed 11 assists in 37 matches across all competitions. As a result, he received major recognition after being nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season accolades.
WHAT MAKGALWA SAID ABOUT HIS STRUGGLES AT SUNDOWNS
Speaking at the Bafana Bafana press conference on Monday in Johannesburg, the Limpopo-born attacker says the persistent injuries affected his time at Downs.
“I think I started my career very well as a young boy from the Sundowns academy, I played the Under-20 FIFA World Cup, and I also played the U-23 AFCON,” Makgalwa said.
“So I think it was a great journey, and you know, sometimes there are injuries in football. That’s where I struggled with so many injuries, especially after winning the treble with coach Pitso before he left.
“I think everything was going well, but there were too many setbacks after that, so that’s where I even went on loan to seek some game time somewhere. To be honest, I think I had a great journey; it was just injuries that held me back.”
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