Makgalwa opens up on nightmare run that forced Sundowns exit

Sekhukhune United winger Keletso Makgalwa, who has spectacularly resurrected his career at Babina Noko, has peeled back the curtain on the frustrating setbacks that derailed his promising tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 28-year-old attacker, currently reflecting a scintillating run of form that earned him nominations for both PSL Footballer of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season last term, pinpoints a recurring foe as the culprit for his struggles in Tshwane: persistent injuries.

Makgalwa emerged from the celebrated Sundowns development ranks, earning a senior team call-up during the 2017/18 campaign under then-coach Pitso Mosimane. Despite his high ceiling, the speedy winger found himself mostly deployed as an ‘impact player’—a substitute role that limited his ability to cement a regular starting berth.

This lack of consistent action led to a series of unsuccessful loan spells at clubs including TS Galaxy, Moroka Swallows, and All Stars, culminating in his eventual departure from the Brazilians in 2023. A brief, vital stint in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with Upington City FC in late 2023 served as the launchpad for his return to the elite league with Sekhukhune for the 2024/25 season.

His impact at Sekhukhune was immediate and undeniable, tallying six goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Makgalwa’s Candid Admission

Speaking from the Bafana Bafana camp, Makgalwa made a candid admission about his time at the Chloorkop giants.

“I think I started my career very well as a young boy from Sundowns academy… I also played the U-20 World Cup, and I also played the U-23 AFCON,” Makgalwa shared.

While his early trajectory was promising, he was unable to maintain momentum, especially in the wake of significant success.

“That’s where I struggled with so many injuries, especially after winning the treble with coach Pitso before he left,” he explained.

“I think everything was going well, but there were too many setbacks after that, so that’s where I even went on loan to seek some game time somewhere. To be honest, I think I had a great journey; it was just injuries that held me back.”

Having overcome the physical obstacles that plagued his tenure at one of Africa’s biggest clubs, Makgalwa is now thriving, proving that his career’s second act is shaping up to be far more rewarding.