Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise has explained what drove him to extend his contract with the Brazilians despite struggling for regular football at the club.
In January, the 30-year-old signed a new two-year deal with the option to extend by a further year. Speaking to the media at Sundowns’ media open day at Chloorkop, the attacking midfielder opened up on what inspired him to commit his future to the Brazilians.
He made the decision in a season in which he made 10 appearances across all competitions with no goal contribution. However, injuries partly contributed to his limited game time.
Competition for playing time for Mkhulise mainly comes from the likes of Marcelo Allende, who is a regular starter, as well as Nuno Santos and Katlego Ntsabeleng, who both struggle for game time.
MKHULISE OPENS UP ON SUNDOWNS CONTRACT DECISION
Mkhulise has played five Betway Premiership matches this season, scoring two goals, while also featuring once in the MTN8. But he insists he is happy and well taken care of at Chloorkop.
“It’s because I’m happy here. They take good care of me, and I’m in a happy place. It’s like I’m home here. So for me to sign a new contract, it was a no-brainer,” Mkhulise told journalists.
“So I didn’t even think twice. I’m happy here, and what’s kept me going for so long here, I think it all starts with the leadership; they inspire us.
“We have the greatest leadership in the country. They keep us motivated to do well each and every day, to wake up in the morning and come here and to work hard and to do well because we don’t want to disappoint them.
“So that’s what’s kept me going for so long. Yes, the trophies help as well. [The leadership] From the president to the chairman, the board, the coaches, our captains, everyone in the team.”
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