Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has praised Mamelodi Sundowns for repaying the faith in Hlompho Kekana, saying he would love to have the same opportunity before leaving Naturena.

The Sundowns captain was recently handed a new four-year deal that will keep him in Chloorkop until beyond his 39th birthday an unprecedented move in South African football as most clubs only hand their aging players one-year extensions.

Kekana has been at Downs since 2012 winning nine trophies in the process and undoubtedly deserves to have his future safeguarded by this new deal.

Letsholonyane, who left Chiefs on a free deal after eight years of service, admits he wishes similar faith was shown in him as he continues in the top flight despite being 37 years old now.

‘It’s a good deal. I think it’s a repayment for what he has done for the club and what he has achieved while with the club, and I think he deserves everything coming his way,’ said ‘Yeye’.

‘He’s a good professional footballer and it’s obviously every player’s dream to spend as much time with the team that introduces you to the limelight, or rather gives you the platform to be a professional player and achieve a lot with that team.

‘I think if I had the same opportunity years back, I would have grabbed it with both hands.’

Asked whether more PSL clubs need to follow suit with their key senior players, the now Highlands Park midfielder responded: ‘Definitely, it’s repaying players for their loyalty and working hard for that brand, and just contributing to the team’s success.’