He may not have played as much as he would have wanted, but Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka is satisfied with his contribution to the club.
Maluleka joined Sundowns from rivals Kaizer Chiefs towards the end of last season but only made his debut this campaign.
Though he made 14 appearances in all competitions for the club, Maluleka feels he has done well.
“I feel I contributed wherever I could. A lot of people didn’t give me a chance and I played,” he said.
“I didn’t play much but I feel like I did well for your first season. If you look at many players who get signed to a new team, most find it difficult to play week in and week out. So I’m happy with my progress.”
Since his arrival when Pitso Mosimane was still the head coach, the 32-year-old has been linked with a loan move under co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena, but he insists he is not going anywhere.
He wants to fight for his place and get regular game time at the star-studded Sundowns team.
“I wouldn’t say I regret moving [from Chiefs] because things happen for a reason. That’s all in the past. I’m here now. I got my first medal with my new club, and what motivates you more than to say I can get another one?” he said.
“So, I’m not looking back. I’m looking forward to it. I’m happy at Sundowns, I’m in a good space. George is happy and he is not going anywhere. I heard about these move rumours. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it is OK. I am a Sundowns player, I’m not going anywhere.”
Maluleka is hungry to add to his league winner's medal.
“The team has won a lot of trophies and hopefully we can add to the cabinet. For me to be already on four is a big thing. A guy like Hlompho Kekana is on eight, so it is good. It also pushes me to say, 'can I be able to get there?'”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.