The tag of being "the next Khama Billiat" doesn't weigh Keletso Makgalwa down, he wears it with pride - driven to not only match but surpass the achievements of the Zimbabwean forward.
The 20-year-old lad from Mokopane, Limpopo, speaks affectionately about the Mamelodi Sundowns' star, Billiat. Makgalwa has even modelled certain elements of his game on Billiat, from the delicate first touch that can control an egg without breaking it, to how he takes on defenders and even the Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired celebration that follows his every goal.
"I and Khama play more or less the same type of football.
"He is at the top and I am still coming up. I can be better than him at some stage. This isn't arrogance but the drive of where I want to be.
"Khama is my idol and I want to achieve some of the things that he has achieved. That's why I have set myself a target of doing better than him.
"If I fall short, and achieve what he achieved, I would have done well and would be in good company. I watch the first team train now and then because that's where I want to be."
Makgalwa inspired the Brazilians' reserve team to finally lift the MultiChoice Diski Challenge earlier this year.
That triumph came four months after the first team won the CAF Champions League.
"I also need to score goals because coach Pitso Mosimane wants attackers who score goals."
'New Billiat' Makgalwa has high hopes
The tag of being "the next Khama Billiat" doesn't weigh Keletso Makgalwa down, he wears it with pride - driven to not only match but surpass the achievements of the Zimbabwean forward.
The 20-year-old lad from Mokopane, Limpopo, speaks affectionately about the Mamelodi Sundowns' star, Billiat. Makgalwa has even modelled certain elements of his game on Billiat, from the delicate first touch that can control an egg without breaking it, to how he takes on defenders and even the Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired celebration that follows his every goal.
"I and Khama play more or less the same type of football.
"He is at the top and I am still coming up. I can be better than him at some stage. This isn't arrogance but the drive of where I want to be.
"Khama is my idol and I want to achieve some of the things that he has achieved. That's why I have set myself a target of doing better than him.
"If I fall short, and achieve what he achieved, I would have done well and would be in good company. I watch the first team train now and then because that's where I want to be."
Makgalwa inspired the Brazilians' reserve team to finally lift the MultiChoice Diski Challenge earlier this year.
That triumph came four months after the first team won the CAF Champions League.
"I also need to score goals because coach Pitso Mosimane wants attackers who score goals."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos