‘Hothead’ Mekoa to mend his ways
Midfielder agrees his fiery temper needs to change
Maritzburg United midfielder Deolin Mekoa has conceded that he will need to control his short temper to help the team achieve its objective of silverware this season.
Mekoa wants to avoid a situation where his temperament costs the team in crucial matches. The mercurial 24-year-old lost it on the field a number of times last season, receiving nine yellow cards and one red card in 29 games.
The undefeated Team of Choice are beginning to dream that this season could be the year to capture their first ever title after their impressive start.
Mekoa, who has been a pivotal cog in the Maritzburg midfield, is set to play a key role against SuperSport United in their MTN8 semifinal second leg on Saturday.
“Many players try to provoke me to put me off my game because they know I can be a hothead but I just ignore them now,” Mekoa told Sowetan.
“Last season I had more yellow cards than I would have liked, I want to fix that. I need to keep my cool more,” he said.
“The coach has helped me to realise that I am a senior player in the team and my behaviour needs to show that. I can’t shoot myself in the foot with my arguing with the referee or a silly mistake.”
Maritzburg will have the advantage in the cup tie due to their away goal against Matsatsantsa at the Harry Gwala Stadium after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Maritzburg want to continue with their momentum after having secured their first top eight finish last season. The team has been flying high since Fadlu Davids took over the coaching reins at the Durban club.