Mamelodi Sundowns young midfielder Gomolemo Kekana has opened up about his limited playing minutes in the current 2026/27 Betway Premiership season at the Tshwane giants.
After rising through the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] ranks, Kekana has found regular first-team opportunities hard to come by. The central midfielder initially made a name for himself in the DDC, establishing himself as one of South Africa’s most promising young talents.
Kekana also played a pivotal role for South Africa’s U-20 national team, helping Raymond Mdaka’s side clinch the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] title in Egypt.
The midfielder, who hails from Alexandra, scored the decisive winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final to secure Amajita’s maiden continental crown.
Following his standout displays for both Amajita and Sundowns’ reserve side, Kekana earned promotion to the Brazilians’ senior squad last season. However, he made just two appearances across all competitions during that campaign amid stiff midfield competition from Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Marcelo Allende.
In the current season, the 20-year-old has registered only one appearance under head coach Miguel Cardoso, playing 63 minutes against his former club, TS Galaxy.
WHAT GOMOLEMO KEKANA SAID ABOUT LACK OF GAME-TIME AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Speaking on his limited minutes at Chloorkop, Kekana maintained that his confidence remains intact despite the challenging spell.
“I’m in the first team; there are frustrations here and there, but you just have to focus on what you want,” Kekana said. “And I’m glad to be here [in the U-23 squad] to represent my country, which is very important for me.”
Kekana also shared his thoughts on competing alongside fellow South African junior internationals plying their trade abroad, including Fletcher Smythe-Lowe [Estoril Praia, Portugal], Enrique Erasmus [Thames FC], Tylon Smith [New England Revolution, USA] and Thato Sibiya [LOSC Lille, France].
“Obviously, Europe is where a lot of players find themselves. And you can see the difference in their level, but I think we are just working together as a team, and we mix our talent to do well for the national team.”
Kekana will be looking to secure much-needed game time when the SA U-23 lock horns with Madagascar at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. The two sides will clash in the return leg on Tuesday, 17th of November, at the same venue.
In recent months, Kekana has been playing for Sundowns DDC to earn regular game time while waiting for his chance in the senior team.
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