Mamelodi Sundowns and Hlompho Kekana have reached an amicable agreement to part ways. KK, as he is affectionately known, had a contract that was going to conclude at the end of the current (2021/22) season.
The Zebediela-born Midfielder had a distinguished career over 10 years with Mamelodi Sundowns playing over 350 matches. At the beginning of the season, the player was honoured by the club with a long-service award for his dedication and devotion to the club.
The club legend is amongst the most decorated footballers in South African football history. Among his numerous honours at Sundowns, Kekana lifted 6 Premiership League titles, the 2016 CAF Champions League and the 2017 CAF Super League. Before joining Sundowns, Hlompho had 2 league titles to his name and this makes him one of the most decorated players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
He is also the only South African to be nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award on two occasions (in 2016 and 2020).
Addressing the players and technical team, The Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Mr Tlhopie Motsepe remarked on Hlompho’s inspirational journey and said “In almost all of his interviews, Hlompho always referred to himself as ‘a boy from the village’. He Is proud of where he has come from and his journey as a boy from Zebediela to a man leading Mamelodi Sundowns to the FIFA Club World Cup in Osaka Japan, is a story that I pray all future leaders in South Africa draw inspiration from.”
As with other Sundowns legends, there is always the opportunity for Kekana to return to Mamelodi Sundowns in a different capacity when he decides to retire from active football.
The long serving former Captain met with the players and technical team after training to bid them farewell.
ENDS
Thanks very much to Bra Hlompo, u will always be yellow.
I’ll never forget the goal you scored against Pirates.
One of the things that i will regret in life was not to spend time with you while u were still playing , the interview you did 5 years ago on kickoff made me fond with you, the images after the game were Thatbo nthete had to fetch you while u were standing there motionless only clapping hands became so iconic to my eyes … a journey well travelled , a status cemented in our hearts memories created in our lifetime…. i will always and forever hold you close to my heart , i know we will meet eventually to have a cup of coffee with you …..
farewell El Capitano…..
#Emotional
I wish yu all the best Bro hlompo
May God continue with his blessing upon yu. U will remain a yellow family #MAMELODI sundowns .
Its painful yes.i know u will be back home soon member👆👆👆👆
Thanks man you have done well at sundowns and I’m glad sundowns want you back when done with playing and I will be happy to see given another task in team structure thanks man may God bless you 🙏🙏
Thank you Mfowethu you represented us so well and you are our true legend and to all your goals you scored for us there’s only one that stood against others when you strike a beauty against Meyiwa at Orlando Stadium even though I still enjoy watching that strike,it was same time and power behind the ball that’s what’s made Senzo nearly broke his back,I salute you my Outie.
I know you’ll come back to us in the near future because we do care for our legends its just that the age was not on your side,Kby forever
I will not be able to capture enough unless I write a book. What you have done for this club cannot be said in a few words. I really can’t say… I really feel i will be leaving a lot out.. You just were unbelievable!
What a Legend ! A prisoner to the game of football,very inspirational legend. Salute!! It was always a marvel to watch you doing what you loved most. You made football identify with you at Mamelodi Sundowns, those crazy long range shots known as the Kekanas, each time we see such shorts hey are easily identified with you, they are now defined and identified with you. Real crazy shots. Leave that receipe and formula with one.The day i will meet you l will ask you to explain the Physics you applied. Unbelievable!it always felt like day light robbery to the goalkeepers.It felt good to us. The Kekana Trade Marks, l still believe there are five or more remaining.
Lifting trophies became so common with you. W saw your complete joy. I still cant believe what you did to Pirates and Chiefs in the last two ABSA PSL, that experience of knowing how to win the League even on the last day, when the odds did not see you lifting the Cups. It always felt good to us supporters . Your leadership in the park was evident, the team playing with a coach inside. Captain my captain!What a leader! All the best all the way.