Grant Kekana is set to wear the Bafana Bafana jersey for the first time in a major competitive match. The Mamelodi Sundowns defender has joined the national team camp in Rabat for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He hopes to make his debut against a strong Morocco side tonight at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Serving the Nation Runs in the Family
Grant Kekana is not the only member of his family to serve South Africa. His mother is Pinky Kekana, who currently serves as the deputy minister in the presidency. While his mother serves in the political arena, Grant is ready to serve on the football pitch.
He spoke to the media from the team camp in Rabat about this unique family dynamic. He explained that representing the country seems to run in their blood. However, their fields of operation are very different.
“My mother is a sports girl, but on a political scale, so yes representing the country runs in the family. She is the deputy minister in the presidency. I am here to play sports and I am trying to make the best out of it.”
Kekana insists that his presence in the national team is strictly due to his hard work. He has worked tirelessly to earn his spot in the squad. He does not rely on his mother’s connections to move forward in his career.
The defender wants to grab this opportunity with both hands. He knows that chances to play for the national team do not come often. He is focused on giving his all for the badge.
A Stellar Season at Mamelodi Sundowns
Kekana earned his call-up after a fantastic season with Mamelodi Sundowns. It is often difficult for new players to break into the starting lineup at a big club like Sundowns. The team is full of star players and competition is very high.
He moved to Chloorkop from SuperSport United last year. He adjusted to the new environment quickly. He became a key part of the Sundowns defense that dominated local football.
His efforts helped the team win a historic domestic treble. This success made it impossible for the national team selectors to ignore him. He was even nominated for the Defender of the Season award in the Premier Soccer League.
Sundowns 2021/22 Achievements
| Competition | Result |
|---|---|
| DStv Premiership | Champions (5th successive title) |
| MTN8 | Winners |
| Nedbank Cup | Winners |
The technical team at Bafana Bafana took note of his consistency. He played a major role in keeping clean sheets for his club throughout the campaign. This form is exactly what South Africa needs against tough African opponents.
Surprise Call-Up and Camp Life
Despite his success at the club level, Kekana did not expect the call from the national team. He admitted that the selection took him by surprise. However, the shock quickly turned into excitement.
He expressed his happiness at finally achieving a lifelong dream. Every professional footballer wants to play for their country. Now that he is in the camp, he is settling in well.
- He is sharing a room with his club teammate Lyle Lakay.
- Lyle Lakay is the current Defender of the Season.
- Having a familiar face nearby helps him adjust to the international setup.
The spirit in the camp is high ahead of the match. The players are united in their goal to qualify for the tournament in Ivory Coast. Kekana feels that everyone is willing to fight for the flag.
The Challenge of Group K
The match against Morocco is the first hurdle in the qualification group. Group K has a unique situation due to administrative issues involving other nations. There are only three active teams in the group.
The group originally included Zimbabwe. However, they were removed from the qualifiers. According to a CAF media statement regarding the qualifiers, Zimbabwe was suspended by FIFA due to political interference in their football administration.
This reduces the number of games Bafana Bafana will play. It also increases the pressure on each match. A mistake could be costly with fewer games to recover points.
Morocco is considered one of the best teams on the continent. They are the clear favorites to top the group. South Africa must secure a positive result in Rabat to build momentum.
The other active team in the group is Liberia. Bafana cannot afford to drop points against them later in the campaign. Only the top two teams from the group will book their tickets to the finals.
Fighting for a Place in the Eleven
Kekana knows that getting into the final starting eleven is not guaranteed. He is competing against established international defenders. He must prove himself during the training sessions in Morocco.
He was asked if he is confident about starting the game. He remained humble but hopeful in his response. He believes everyone raises their hand to be chosen.
“I would like to think so. That is what everyone wants, to start. But you have to prove yourself within the training sessions as well. It is going to be a difficult one to see who is going to start.”
The coach has several options in the defensive line. A solid defense will be crucial against the Moroccan attackers who play in top European leagues. Kekana’s versatility and recent form give him a strong case for selection.
A draw away from home against Morocco would be seen as a very good result. It would give South Africa a strong platform for the rest of the qualifiers. Kekana is ready to do whatever is required to help the team achieve this target.
Grant Kekana has worked hard to reach this moment. He has proven his worth in the domestic league and is now ready for the international stage. Whether he starts the game or comes off the bench, he is determined to make his family and his country proud. This could be the beginning of a long and successful international career for the Sundowns star.
Share this news with your friends and support the boys! Use the hashtags #BafanaBafana #AFCON2023 #GrantKekana #MoroccoVsSA and let us know in the comments if you think Kekana should start tonight.
