Mamelodi Sundowns winger Promise Mkhuma says he draws his inspiration from captain Hlompho Kekana and Club Brugge star Percy Tau.
The 20-year-old was promoted to the Sundowns first team after a number of impressive performances this season in the Multichoice Diski Challenge.
The junior international was also handed a five-year contract when his promotion to the senior team was confirmed earlier this year.
Mkhuma, who captains the reserve team, admits to modelling his game around the likes of Tau, who was also an academy graduate, as well as drawing inspiration from club captain Kekana.
‘It’s been an honour to be a leader of the reserve team, and I am happy with it. I have always enjoyed taking responsibility and the fight that comes with it,’ Mkhuma told his club’s official website.
‘I always looked up to Percy Tau – he is a role model and inspired many young footballers. As a young captain, looking at Hlompho Kekana on and off the field, brings a lot of lessons: hard work, communication, responsibility and the winning mentality. You can tell he doesn’t want to lose, any day or any time.
‘Firstly, I would like to thank the team for this opportunity. What matters now in these next five years is to add value, achieve goals – and I would love to see myself playing in the Caf tournaments and helping bring another star. I also want to help the team win as many trophies as possible,’ added Mkhuma.
Although he is yet to make his senior team debut, the young attacker is continuing his development with the club’s MultiChoice Diski team in the hopes of impressing head coach Pitso Mosimane.
‘It looks easy when watching the game, but it’s tough,’ Mkhuma explained.
‘Recently, the hardest games I faced were both against Orlando Pirates. We drew 2-2 in the first round and lost 1-0 in the second. Those were the games I had to take a lot of responsibility, show character and motivate the team at all cost. I scored an equaliser with a free kick and gained confidence. I can mention other games, too, but those were the hardest.’
