Mamelodi Sundowns offer new role to legend Hlompho Kekana as Pitso Mosimane pays emotional tribute
Reigning DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have offered legendary captain Hlompho Kekana a new job within the club.
Kekana bid farewell to Masandawana on Thursday after a decade of exemplary service.
The Limpopo-born midfielder is yet to announce a decision on his future.
Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe confirmed the club would welcome Kekana back into the club once he calls time on his illustrious playing career.
“A few weeks ago, Mamelodi Sundowns and its captain Hompho Kekana mutually decided to allow the player to transition into a new career,” Motsepe said.
“The club made sure the remaining portion owed to the player was paid, and his clearance was signed so that we allow the player to pursue whatever destiny he wanted to play going forward.
“However it is important to note that should our player, our captain, our legend decide that he doesn’t want to see himself at another club. Or doesn’t want to continue playing, we will establish him a position as soon as possible.
“Kekana has lived the values of Mamelodi Sundowns and he is the embodiment of our motto ‘The sky is the limit”.
“He has continuously broken many, many records, he has inspired people with the way he plays football and has always carried his community in his heart.
“It is because of these characteristics, the Mamelodi Sundowns board and the president has agreed that although we are parting ways with Hlompho Kekana as a player, we welcome the opportunity for him to return to the football club and find a place within its structures.”
Meanwhile, Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has paid an emotional tribute to Hlompho Kekana following the club legend’s departure.
On Thursday, reigning DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns announced that the club had parted ways with long-time captain and club legend, Hlompho Kekana.
The veteran midfielder departs Chloorkop as the club’s most decorated captain and made more than 350 appearances across all competitions for Masandawana.
Following news of Kekana’s departure, a number of former players and coaches flocked to social media to pay tribute to his contributions, including his ex-coach mentor Pitso Mosimane.
“Captain my Captain! Hlompho Kekana, what an honour to have had the opportunity to work with you.” Mosimane shared on Twitter.
“Thank you for being one of the greatest people in the football community.
“You’ve been the most successful captain that Mamelodi Sundowns has ever had, winning every South African football trophy during your time as well as CAF Club Football
“Your shoes will be hard to fill and your legacy will live on forever.”
Meanwhile, Kekana is already attracting interest from elsewhere, with fellow Premiership side Chippa United believed to preparing an offer to secure his services.
