Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says his personal goal is to help Masandawana challenge for every piece of silverware on offer this season.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful start to his career with Sundowns after making the switch from cross-town rivals SuperSport United.

Kekana has started the past five games for the club and has managed to feature eight times this season, while scoring a goal in their 2-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs last month.

Kekana formed a formidable partnership with Rushine De Rueck in the heart of Sundowns’ defence, but is now enjoying his new role playing at full back.

“The integration with Rushine De Reuck has been good, we’ve worked a whole lot – especially during the pre-season and also during training sessions. What I enjoy the most about the position that I am playing and the role that I’ve been given is the fact that I am able to also show my leadership skills. I am able to read the game and start the attack from the back which is something that’s a bit new to me, but definitely something that I am enjoying,” Kekana told his club’s official website.

“We are all just getting to gel now together, obviously everyone else has been here longer than me but they’ve made me feel like I’ve always been a part of them, which is good. We all know our roles and what’s expected of us, so whoever gets the opportunity to play will always grab it with both hands.”

Speaking on scoring his first goal for Sundowns and his future ambitions, Kekana said: “During the week leading up to the game, Lyle [Lakay] and I spoke. In the previous game he was playing [balls] on to the near post and I said to him, ‘Play one at the back post, you never know what can happen’ and fortunately I connected.

“It feels good to have your first goal for your new club. This is a big club and we knew what the game meant and to be on the scoresheet is a bonus. I was still in disbelief, I didn’t have a celebration but credit to the guys for welcoming me well, and we just keep moving forward from here. We all want to contribute as players, it can’t just be the attackers who score. If we can, as defenders when we go up there for corner kicks and free kicks, we need to take advantage and this is just a step in the right direction.

“My relationship with my new teammates is good, everyone has welcomed me well. We have jokers in the team, I’ll give that one to Denis Onyango, Kennedy Mweene and Brian Onyango. Before training they always get us in a good mood with a good laugh, that helps us to forget whatever problems we might be having. I’ve [also] been fortunate enough to have played with Kermit [Erasmus], Reayad [Pieterse], George [Maluleka] and Aubrey [Modiba] before.

“My personal goal this season with Masandawana is to challenge for everything, give my all whenever given the opportunity to play and just keep pushing and reaching for the sky because The Sky is The Limit.”