Downs’ delicate balancing act
Striker faces exteam Stars
New Mamelodi Sundowns striker Thokozani Sekotlong hopes emotions don’t overwhelm him if he scores against his former club Free State Stars today at Goble Park (6pm)
After parting ways with Ea Lla Koto at the end of last season, the Mamelodi-born sharpshooter was given a golden opportunity to return home to link up with the African champions in the off-seaon.
The 26-year-old centre-forward is hoping to crack it again in coach Pitso Mosimane’s starting XI. He said scoring his first goal for the Brazilians against his former team would be a wonderful moment – but he admits that any celebration would be a bittersweet experience.
“I have not thought about it [celebrating] but scoring my first goal in Sundowns colours would be great. However, I am not sure if I would celebrate – but sometimes emotions take over in the moment, so you’ll never know,’’ Sekotlong told Sowetan yesterday.
He made his first appearance in Downs’ 2-1 loss to Polokwane City three weeks ago. “My target is to be better than last season and stay injury-free. I will try and get over 10 goals,” said Sekotlong, who scored seven goals in his competitions for Stars last season.
He says being closer to his family in Mamelodi will help him do well.
“I’ve played away from home for a long time. Being with my family will improve my performance because they are very supportive.”
Heading into the clash with Stars, Sekotlong has singled out Ea Lla Koto’s skilful winger Sinethemba Jantjie as a threat which his teammates should watch out for tonight.
After their Bethlehem trip, Sundowns will immediately shift their focus to the CAF Champions League where they will host Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of the continental competition at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.