Mbekile still has big dreams to fulfil with Downs

EASTERN Cape born Mamelodi Sundowns versatile player Asavela Mbekile is determined to claim a regular place in the starting 11 of the African champions.

And with his contract coming to an end at the end of the 2017/18 Premier Soccer League, being a regular will do him a world of good to convince the Pretoria side to give him a contract extension.

The Cofimvaba-born Shoes, as Mbekile is affectionately known, is well aware that he will not just walk into the star-studded Brazilian outfit.

“I am a hard worker by nature,” he tells the Daily Dispatch.

In his professional football career, Shoes has achieved what most players only dream of. His recent winners’ medal is the African Champions League he achieved with coach Pitso Mosimane’s men last year.

“I want to be a regular at Sundowns. I want to claim my place. I still want to achieve a lot of things with the team. I have won everything except for the MTN8 Cup so I would love to win that next.

“I’m very proud to have an African Champions League winners’ medal especially since I’m from the Eastern Cape because we hardly ever get opportunities there,” he said.

While he enjoys playing as a central midfielder, he understands that he does not have the luxury of choosing where to play as the competition is high.

Because of his versatility, the ever hard-working 30-year-old hard man can walk into the starting 11 of any team in the PSL.

But the Brazilians are not just any other team. As a result, Mbekile has been struggling for game time – spending more time on the bench than on the pitch.

When former captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele joined Kaizer Chiefs at the beginning of the season, it was Mbekile that Mosimane looked to to fill in at right back.

But the former Chippa United and Moroka Swallows player also faces stiff competition from the likes of Bafana Bafana international Anele Ngcongca and Siyanda Zwane at right back.

“I love playing as a central midfielder but at Sundowns, there are a lot of quality players in that position, like the [captain] Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda.

“But I am always ready to play wherever I am required and I am always prepared to give my best for the team. As long as I am on the field of play, I am happy,” he said.

Just like any other soccer player, Mbekile dreams of again playing for Bafana Bafana. He made his international debut in 2014 but has been absent ever since.

“If I’m a regular at Sundowns, I will have better chances of playing for Bafana Bafana.

“I want to get a call up and not just sit on the bench but play,” he says of his chances of donning the national colours once more.