Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bennett Mnguni says the club would be making a mistake if they offload veteran midfielder Hlompho Kekana.
The 36-year-old’ future at the club looks uncertain, amid reports claiming his relationship with the technical team broke down some time ago.
And judging by the fact that Kekana only make 15 appearances for Downs in all competitions last season, he could very well be on the way out of the club.
In an interview with The Sowetan, Mnguni feels Sundowns must not be too hasty to offload Kekana as he is a hard worker with a lot of experience.
“What I can tell you is that Hlompho worked so hard for the team and if now the coaches don’t see him the way he was before, the experience is still there,” Mnguni tells The Sowetan.
“We need players who have experience at the club. People may say the coaches don’t play him, but you will find out that he is injured or being rested so he can get the energy.
“We might not know why he was not playing last season. Remember, there is a game where he came in as a sub and he scored against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
“He will still help the club, so for me to let him go, I don’t think it would be a good idea from the club.”
Kekana has reportedly been linked with a possible move to Moroka Swallows and Mnguni feels out of respect for the player’s long service to the club, having joined in 2011, he should be allowed to decide if he wants to leave or stay at Chloorkop.
“It depends on him as a player what he wants. If he wants to go, the team can release him. But if he wants to remain with the team, he can stay. So, it is up to him and the coaches what they decide.
“He served the club with passion and love and we still need those kinds of players at the club,” Mnguni adds.