Makgalwa: I'm struggling with food

TS Galaxy attacker Keletso Makgalwa has boldly admitted that he needs to improve a lot in his game and lifestyle to be competitive this season and return to stake a claim at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Makgalwa, a promising talent, was promoted to the Sundowns senior team after doing well in the reserve side back in 2018 but has not reached the heights once expected of him from his time in the junior national teams.

He got a chance at Sundowns under previous coach Pitso Mosimane but failed to establish himself and now, on his second loan spell away from Chloorkop, the 25-year-old admits that his numbers have to improve to be able to compete with the players at Downs.

"I still have the belief because I have the quality, I have everything. I just need to work hard because that's something I'm struggling with. If I can get that right this season, I'm 100 percent sure that next season I'm going to join that [Sundowns] team," said Makgalwa.

"It's that little extra [effort], I just need that. If I can get that here then I'll be ready to play at Sundowns. I think [previously], I was struggling with injuries but now I'm ok and I've got to make sure I stay injury free the whole season.

"In terms of game-time I think I had a successful season at Swallows last season but in terms of numbers, sometimes they count a lot. If you can check the numbers of the players at Sundowns, there's [Surprise] Ralani, [Neo] Maema, Mshishi [Themba Zwane], Gaston [Sirino] - those I'm competing with.

"So, I should at least be at that level which is where I didn't get to. For me, especially this season, I have so many ambitions and goals because I'm competing with Sundowns players so I have to reach their level before thinking of going back to Sundowns."

He has also conceded there are a lot of lifestyle changes needed for him to reach the desired level.

"I need to sacrifice more things man, and my life off the field also - I need to take care of myself, take care of my body and I need to be at a point where I can do anything inside the field," he added.

"Especially off the field, I'm struggling with food - that's something I'm struggling with, I eat anything I want to eat, but at least now I have a dietician who can help me to get my food right, and I also have a personal trainer for this season.

"So, everything is on point, I just need to focus and do what I know inside the field - score goals and assist, and help the team."

By Velile Mnyandu