A Star Reborn: The Inspiring Comeback of Keletso Makgalwa
Every footballer’s journey tells a story — of triumph, setbacks, rediscovery, and resilience. For Keletso Makgalwa, the path from being a promising youngster at Mamelodi Sundowns to becoming one of Sekhukhune United’s standout players has been anything but easy.
Once hailed as one of South Africa’s brightest attacking prospects, Makgalwa’s rise through Sundowns’ famed academy had many predicting he would become a household name at Masandawana. Yet, his story took a different turn — one marked by injury struggles, loan spells, and the constant battle for consistency.
Today, after years of determination and self-belief, the 28-year-old winger has reclaimed his place among South Africa’s elite footballers, earning nominations for the PSL Footballer of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season awards. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define a career — resilience does.
From Academy Prodigy to First-Team Hopeful
Makgalwa’s football journey began within the Mamelodi Sundowns academy, one of the most competitive youth systems in South Africa. His flair, pace, and creativity quickly made him a standout among his peers. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the eye of then-head coach Pitso Mosimane, who promoted the young winger to the senior team during the 2017/18 season.
For Makgalwa, it was a dream come true. He had grown up idolizing many of the players he was now training alongside — the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane, and Gaston Sirino. Under Mosimane, he was given glimpses of top-flight football, often coming off the bench to inject energy and unpredictability into games.
His role as an “impact player” became something of a trademark — the player coaches turned to when they needed something different in the final stages of a match. However, as much as the experience shaped him, it also came with its own frustrations.
Life at Mamelodi Sundowns: Talent Meets Tough Competition
For any young player, breaking into a Sundowns starting lineup is one of the toughest challenges in South African football. The club’s depth of quality — fueled by its financial strength and ambition — means competition for places is fierce.
Makgalwa found himself competing with seasoned internationals and foreign imports in nearly every attacking position. Despite his promise, regular starting opportunities were rare. He often had to settle for late substitute appearances or cameo roles in cup games.
Yet, when given a chance, he never failed to make an impression. His speed, ball control, and fearless dribbling made him a fan favorite. Still, sustaining that momentum proved difficult, especially with injuries creeping in at crucial times.
The Injury Battles That Changed Everything
At the Bafana Bafana press conference held in Johannesburg, Makgalwa spoke candidly about the struggles he faced during his time at Sundowns. The winger revealed that injuries played a major role in holding him back, preventing him from building on his early promise.
“I think I started my career very well as a young boy from the Sundowns academy,” he said. “I played at the Under-20 FIFA World Cup and the U-23 AFCON. Everything was going well, especially after winning the treble with coach Pitso before he left. But there were too many setbacks after that — injuries really affected my progress.”
Persistent injuries became a recurring obstacle, forcing him to spend extended periods on the sidelines while his teammates continued to thrive. For a young player eager to prove himself, the experience was mentally taxing.
The turning point came after the 2020/21 season when Makgalwa realized that in order to revive his career, he needed consistent game time — even if it meant leaving the comfort and prestige of Sundowns.
Loan Spells and Lessons: Searching for Game Time
To regain rhythm and fitness, Makgalwa was sent out on a series of loan spells, including stints at TS Galaxy, Moroka Swallows, and All Stars FC.
These moves were meant to give him the playing time he desperately needed, but they also exposed him to the challenges of starting over. Each loan spell came with a new coach, a new system, and the pressure to adapt quickly.
While some of those spells didn’t yield the desired results, they taught Makgalwa valuable lessons about perseverance and mental strength. The winger learned to navigate setbacks, manage expectations, and stay focused on long-term growth rather than short-term frustrations.
A Brave Move to the Motsepe Foundation Championship
By 2023, after years of uncertainty, Makgalwa decided to take a bold step — dropping down to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (South Africa’s second-tier league) to join Upington City FC.
For many players, such a move might be seen as a setback, but for Makgalwa, it was a fresh start. It was an opportunity to rebuild his confidence, rediscover his form, and reignite the joy of playing football.
The results were immediate. Freed from the pressures of a star-studded environment, he flourished at Upington City. His creativity, vision, and work ethic stood out week after week, quickly reminding observers of the talent that had once lit up Chloorkop.
That resurgence caught the attention of Sekhukhune United, who were looking to strengthen their attack for the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season.
The Sekhukhune United Renaissance
Makgalwa’s move to Sekhukhune United (Babina Noko) in 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter — one that would finally showcase his full potential.
In his debut season, he became a cornerstone of Sekhukhune’s attacking unit, combining flair with maturity. Across 37 matches in all competitions, Makgalwa recorded six goals and eleven assists, playing a key role in several crucial victories.
His ability to create chances, unlock defenses, and adapt to different tactical setups made him one of the most effective wingers in the league. For the first time in years, Makgalwa was enjoying consistent game time — and it showed.
His standout performances earned him nominations for both the PSL Footballer of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season awards — an incredible turnaround story for a player who, just a year earlier, was fighting to stay relevant.
Makgalwa on Rediscovering His Passion
When reflecting on his journey, Makgalwa’s words carry both humility and gratitude.
“To be honest, I think I had a great journey; it was just injuries that held me back,” he admitted. “There were many challenges, but I never stopped believing. Going on loan, moving to the NFD — all of that helped me grow and become stronger.”
For him, football has always been about passion and purpose. The challenges at Sundowns, while painful, shaped him into a more grounded and resilient player. The support from coaches, teammates, and fans along the way gave him the motivation to keep going, even when the odds seemed against him.
The Mental Strength Behind the Comeback
Makgalwa’s story is not just about physical recovery — it’s also a tale of mental endurance. The ability to cope with rejection, injuries, and career uncertainty requires a special kind of mindset.
While many players lose their spark after struggling to break into big clubs, Makgalwa turned adversity into fuel. His willingness to step down divisions, work his way back up, and embrace each challenge with determination reflects a player who truly understands the long game.
Today, he stands as an example to young players across South Africa: talent alone isn’t enough — attitude, patience, and perseverance are what sustain a career.
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Looking Ahead: A New Dawn for Makgalwa and Sekhukhune
As Makgalwa continues his journey with Sekhukhune United, the future looks promising. At 28, he’s entering the prime of his career, and his recent form suggests that his best football is still ahead of him.
His improved consistency and fitness have not gone unnoticed by Bafana Bafana selectors, and his inclusion in national team discussions marks a full-circle moment. From academy prodigy to injury-plagued talent, and now a reborn star, Makgalwa’s trajectory mirrors the resilience of many South African players who refuse to give up on their dreams.
For Sekhukhune, having a player of his caliber adds creativity and experience to their attack — key ingredients for challenging both domestically and on the continental stage.
Conclusion: A Journey of Faith, Fight, and Fulfillment
Keletso Makgalwa’s career serves as a powerful reminder that success in football is not always a straight line. It’s a story of highs and lows, wins and losses, but above all, the courage to start over.
From being a promising youngster at Mamelodi Sundowns, battling injuries and loan setbacks, to rising again as a star at Sekhukhune United, his journey embodies the essence of perseverance.
In a sport where careers can be defined by fleeting moments, Makgalwa’s story is defined by persistence — a testament to the fact that every comeback begins with belief.
As he continues to dazzle fans with his skill and creativity, one thing is certain: Keletso Makgalwa’s second act has only just begun, and it’s shaping up to be the most inspiring chapter of his footballing story yet.
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