Moeketsi Sekola has given himself a chance to grab the headlines yet again next season by staying with Free State Stars despite interest from top Premier Soccer League clubs.
The Absa Premiership Golden Boot holder with 14 goals was reportedly a target for champions Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and even provincial rivals Bloemfontein Celtic.
However, having seen former Stars players' careers stall soon after leaving the Bethlehem outfit, Sekola said it would have been a big risk taking up a new challenge.
"As a player, I know what's best for me," said the striker, who has a year remaining on his contract.
"I think deciding to remain with the club will help me because I have seen a lot of players who have come and gone because their careers were never stable once they moved.
"I have no regrets about my decision and I am confident that we could achieve a lot in the new season, including the chance to win a cup."
Sekola's goals were crucial in making sure Stars retained their Premiership status following a tough relegation battle. But Ea Lla Koto finished in ninth place, after a run of five wins in six league matches near the business end of the campaign.
"I made every effort to block out the rumours that I could be joining another club," the Bafana forward said.
"It would have been distracting."
Sekola has become a popular figure at Stars and this was evidenced by his teammates' reaction when he picked up the top scorer, players' player and sponsor's (Bonitas) award accolades at the club's awards last week.
The 26-year-old walked away with a total of R85000 on the evening.
"I was genuinely touched and very emotional because all I expected was the top scorer award," he said.
Why Sekola opted to stick with Stars
Moeketsi Sekola has given himself a chance to grab the headlines yet again next season by staying with Free State Stars despite interest from top Premier Soccer League clubs.
The Absa Premiership Golden Boot holder with 14 goals was reportedly a target for champions Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and even provincial rivals Bloemfontein Celtic.
However, having seen former Stars players' careers stall soon after leaving the Bethlehem outfit, Sekola said it would have been a big risk taking up a new challenge.
"As a player, I know what's best for me," said the striker, who has a year remaining on his contract.
"I think deciding to remain with the club will help me because I have seen a lot of players who have come and gone because their careers were never stable once they moved.
"I have no regrets about my decision and I am confident that we could achieve a lot in the new season, including the chance to win a cup."
Sekola's goals were crucial in making sure Stars retained their Premiership status following a tough relegation battle. But Ea Lla Koto finished in ninth place, after a run of five wins in six league matches near the business end of the campaign.
"I made every effort to block out the rumours that I could be joining another club," the Bafana forward said.
"It would have been distracting."
Sekola has become a popular figure at Stars and this was evidenced by his teammates' reaction when he picked up the top scorer, players' player and sponsor's (Bonitas) award accolades at the club's awards last week.
The 26-year-old walked away with a total of R85000 on the evening.
"I was genuinely touched and very emotional because all I expected was the top scorer award," he said.
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