I don’t complicate things

Sekhukhune United winger Noko Malekana gives Soccer Laduma’s Peter Raath an account of his achievements in the amateur ranks. The 22-year-old, who reveals a close relationship with coach MacDonald Makhubedu, also chats about missing overseas trials, an injury and the GladAfrica Championship title race.

Peter Raath: Before turning professional in 2018/19 under your current coach, MacDonald Makhubedu, you spent five seasons with Polokwane United FC, which is owned by Bally Smart, an influential ex-Amajita striker with numerous contacts in Europe. Please tell us about that experience.

Noko Malekana: It was a very good journey for me, which started when I joined United’s academy in 2014. Later, I was promoted to their first team, making my debut in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League as a 16-year-old. Our side consisted of some very, very young ambitious players under Bally, who’s a good owner/coach. I was a regular, a key player and became team captain in 2016. During my last season, I played as a right wingback, having previously been on both wings, while I was also sometimes used as a striker and a right back. I’m therefore versatile and, over the years, I scored +-30 goals, with about the same number of assists. I also enjoyed going to the 2015 Bayhill U19 Cup in Cape Town, where my then teammate Kgaogelo Sekgota scored against Ajax Cape Town, but we lost to them on penalties in the Plate Final. I played on the left and he was on the right wing, until he left South Africa to further his career in Lithuania.

PR: When Sekgota moved to Portugal, Smart also had trials lined up for you in that country and in Switzerland. However, your career took a different path after being spotted by TS Sporting chairman, Mr Slungu

Thobela. Why? NM:

There was some European interest, but due to certain reasons, I never made the move. When it’s not your time, it’s not your time. It is what it is. Kgaogelo, who’s my best friend, is doing very well at Swallows FC and has explained to me about life both on and off the field as well as the friendships he made overseas. Another of my ex-Polokwane teammates, Nakedi Chipu, is currently at SC Espinho in Portugal. Over more than a three-year period, I always saw him as a talented player with his own abilities. Those guys inspire me with their football achievements, so going abroad is my goal too. Whenever you play, you don’t know who’s watching you. In my first season at Abantu Bemthetho, I played 14 games, scored three goals and made six assists under Makhubedu. I’d say that I’m good at crossing long balls with both my feet, which I learnt from Bally Smart. I also like cutting in and taking a shot on target, but I don’t complicate things. I prefer playing a simple game.

PR: But in 2019/20, under coach Kabelo Sibiya, you hardly got gametime, before being reunited with Makhubedu at ambitious Sekhukhune United, where an unusual injury put paid to your progress. What actually happened in those two instances?

NM:

Sporting decided that I wasn’t going to be useful anymore. I had to respect their decision, so I left to be with Makhubedu again. He always tells me that I’m the most experienced U23 (player) in the team. I regard him as a very good person, willing to listen to whatever you want to talk about both on and off the field. If a coach loves you, he’ll play you – that’s exactly how it is. During our last pre-season friendly against SuperSport United, I picked up an Achilles tendon injury but actually only felt the pain after playing our opening five league games. It’s just unbelievable. That’s when my ankle was affected and I only managed to return to training in March. Games are coming thick and fast, with no time for recovery, therefore I just need to keep strong and work hard to get back into the team. I’ll definitely get there. The more games you get, the more you’ll improve.

PR: Title-chasing Babina Noko lost some impetus following 1-0 defeats to Steenberg United, Cape Town Spurs and Jomo Cosmos.

NM: Losing to Steenberg was very frustrating. I wasn’t there, but I also felt it. Our team shouldn’t have dropped points at home to Spurs. The guys had a total of 15 chances but missed all of them, while on the other hand, the Urban Warriors used their only opportunity. It was a bad result against Cosmos. I guess it wasn’t our day because we also missed clear chances. The team fought with one man short after our captain, Yusuf Maart, had received a red card. We have to keep on going. Promotional football is never easy. I’ve noticed that anyone can beat anyone. But we’ll get over it and are still in the pack to win the GladAfrica Championship.

PR: You finally returned to action by coming on as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 away draw with log leaders Richards Bay, which means Babina Noko are winless in five fixtures.

NM: Although the coach was very happy with our attitude and character, he wanted maximum points. Due to the effort we put in, our spirit is high and I still believe that it’s possible to win automatic promotion. Anything can happen.

PR: Thanks, Noko. NM: Anytime, Peter. ❐