Keletso Makgalwa stands on the verge of a career-defining achievement: a
place in South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations squad. His journey to this
point, however, has been a turbulent one, forging a resilience that may be
his greatest asset.
Once a highly-touted prospect nicknamed ‘Aguero’ at Mamelodi Sundowns under
Pitso Mosimane, Makgalwa’s path seemed destined for stardom. But after
Mosimane’s departure, his momentum stalled. A series of unsuccessful loan
spells at Maritzburg United, Moroka Swallows, and TS Galaxy saw his career
drift, eventually leading him to Sundowns’ reserve team before he made a
bold decision: to terminate his contract and start afresh.
That fresh start came at Upington City, where his career was resurrected.
Rediscovering the form that first made him a promise, he earned a move to
Sekhukhune United. Now, just as he seized his chance in Upington, Makgalwa
is determined to take the opportunity handed to him by Bafana Bafana coach
Hugo Broos.
Part of the squad for Saturday’s friendly against Zambia, he hopes to earn
minutes and prove his worth.
“I’d like to thank the coach for giving me this opportunity,” Makgalwa said
at a press conference. He reflected on his early success, including playing
in the Under-20 World Cup and an Olympic-qualifying Under-23 AFCON, before
injuries and setbacks derailed his progress after Sundowns’ treble win.
“I went to Upington not on loan, but after terminating my contract because I
needed to start afresh,” he explained. “I told myself that one day I wanted
to be in the Bafana Bafana team, so I needed to work hard and come back
strong.”
At Sekhukhune, he has embraced the responsibility of being a key attacker,
crediting coach Eric Tinkler for his guidance. “The team was planning around
me. I had to adjust, with the help of coach Eric, and I am performing well
now.”
This week in the national team camp represents the next crucial step in
Makgalwa’s remarkable redemption story.
