Midfield maestro Maluleka steps up for Downs
MAMELODI Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka cut an emotional figure after scoring his first goal in his first start this season during their 3-0 win over Al Merrikh in the group stage of the Champions League at home on Saturday.
Maluleka has had a disappointing second season with Sundowns.
He's spent more time kicking his heels in the stands than on the bench or the field. Before the match on Saturday, he had only made two cameos in the league.
He showed his hunger and desire to help the team whenever he's called upon, opening his account for the Brazilians with a sublime header from a corner, while Bradley Ralani and Kermit Erasmus completed the win in Johannesburg.
Back in 2020, Maluleka's move to Sundowns from Kaizer Chiefs was expected to be a career-ending one by pundits.
He started life well in his first season, before he struggled this term. But Maluleka is happy that he scored on Saturday.
“I am lost for words,” Maluleka told the club's social media platforms in an emotional tribute where he was embraced by his teammates, the coaching staff and management at FNB Stadium.
“I am very happy that we won the game.
“I played (on Saturday) and we got a positive result. I hope that I played well, but I feel good.
“But there's still a lot to improve on.
“It's a very special goal, my first goal for the club. This one is going to my archives, surely.
“What a way to come back!” Saturday's win at the Calabash ensured that the Brazilians finished the group stage undefeated with fives wins and a draw and got the most points (16) across all four groups as they strolled into the quarter-finals of the African showpiece.
With fringe players such as Maluleka playing their part whenever given the chance, Downs will feel that they can win all the remaining trophies left this season: the African showpiece, the Premiership and Nedbank Cup. They've already won the MTN8.
“I am happy, relieved and excited about what's coming up,” Maluleka said.
“I am just so happy that we got a positive result today, out of everything. We played well but
I think we can still improve the performance (as a team as well).”