Kekana feels natural talent Mokoena is ready for Europe
FORMER Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has audaciously earmarked Bafana Bafana kingpin Teboho Mokoena for a European move.
Mokoena has torn up the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, topping off yet another fine performance with a goal and the player-ofthe-match award in Bafana’s 2-0 last16 win over Morocco in San-Pedro on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old midfielder has earned himself admirers over the last few years after a string of stellar performances for Sundowns in the CAF Champions League, as well as Bafana.
One of those admirers is ex-Masandawana skipper Kekana, who lifted many trophies with Sundowns and was part of Bafana’s 2019 Afcon squad.
While speaking to Independent Media yesterday, Kekana beamed with joy as he discussed the growth of the talented 27-year-old Mokoena, who was born in Bethlehem.
“I have no doubt (that he’s ready for Europe). I love the way he expresses himself while on the pitch. The talent and ability comes naturally to him, but his attitude on the field is what I like most,” he said.
“When I watch him, I’m refreshed because he plays with so much emotion and he never stops – and you can tell it rubs off on all the other players around him.”
Mokoena has taken Bafana’s Afcon campaign by the scruff of the neck, and shared the load alongside Portugal-based Sphephelo Sithole in the heart of midfield.
The pair have started all the games together, with Thabang Monare and Jayden Adams making cameo appearances on a few occasions.
Kekana, who shared the field with the likes of Dean Furman and Bongani Zungu in the 2019 tournament, believes Bafana coach Hugo Broos has found the perfect midfield combination
for his team.
“I love how they complement each other while being able to control the pace and speed of the game,” he said.
“Both of them have brought about a refreshing base of control there for the likes of Themba Zwane and Percy Tau to be able to express themselves up front.”
Bafana lost 2-0 to Mali, but then beat Namibia 4-0 and drew 0-0 with Tunisia in the group stages, before defeating Morocco in the round of 16.
Kekana, who formed part of the
2019 Bafana squad that got eliminated by Nigeria at the quarter-final stage, revealed that it doesn’t surprise him that Broos and his men have made it so far in the current competition.
He also detailed why he feels the current group has a higher chance of going further in the Afcon than in previous tournaments, and acknowledged the influence of Broos.
“It doesn’t surprise me (that they’ve reached the quarter-finals). We have a lot of talent in our country, and we show it in these tournaments.
The teams that are left there are the best teams on the continent now,” he said.
“This group of players have taken their opportunities really well. They’ve clicked at the right time and carry a lot of momentum with them, as well as have many consistent performers.
“I love the variety in our game. We can switch from a short pass style to a more direct approach at any time, and we have the players to bring on to suit those styles as well.”