THEY are not the big-name stars usually unveiled at Mamelodi Sundowns.
And their names may be just two of many in the small print of PSL transfer-deadline stories today.
But Thendo Mukumela and Keletso Makgalwa are no wide-eyed youngsters, overawed by the thought of joining the Sundowns senior team.
At 19, Mukumela has already played at the Fifa Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, as well as the two Caf Youth Championship events in the same age groups.
The young defender was promoted to the Brazilians’ first team yesterday on the back of his great progress at junior level. Mukumela is an outstanding development academy product.
“It’s a big gap, coming from the development level, but I’m prepared to work hard. I’m ready to show the world that I can do bigger things,” said Mukumela.
“I’ve had a chat with Motjeka Madisha, who has also come through development. He motivated me, saying God has his own way of doing things and that I should be patient and wait for my time.”
Mukumela has played in various positions, once top scored with 11 goals in six matches in a junior tournament as a striker, and has also held his own in the holding midfielder position.
But it’s in the heart of defence where he is most comfortable and at his calmest.
“I look forward to working with coach Pitso Mosimane and taking instructions from him,” he said.
“I’m just waiting for him to tell me where I should play and I will master that position.”
Like Mukumela, Makgalwa has played at the U-20 World Cup in South Korea and is equally excited at the prospect of playing in the PSL.
He has already drawn inspiration from sharing the dressing-room with the likes of Percy Tau, Khama Billiat and George Lebese.
The 20-year-old striker shone for the Brazilians’ reserve side, contributing hugely to their MultiChoice Diski Challenge success last season.
“It’s really motivating to play with the best. I’ve been getting lots of messages from people looking forward to seeing me in the senior team,” said Makgalwa.
“Talent alone is not enough. It’s all about hard work.”
