Mbekile waiting for his chance at Sundowns

It has been all but a smooth sailing for the former Chippa United player, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Moroka Swallows in 2014, going on to make 89 appearances for the Brazilians.

Mbekile played 81 minutes in African champions’ 1-1 draw with Congolese side AS Vita Club in Atteridgeville in a Caf Champions League tie. Before that, the 30-year-old’s last start for Sundowns traces back to the Champions League final against Zamalek in Egypt last October.

He has since appeared on the bench nine times – played 194 minutes – and was left out of the squad 22 times in the last 38 games for the Brazilians.

His progress at Sundowns has been hampered by injuries.

“It is very frustrating, especially when you are close to being in the starting 11 and you get injured and sit out for a long time,” said the player affectionately known as “Shoes”.

With competition in the right flank coming from the most preferred Thapelo Morena and the experienced Anele Ngcongca, along with makeshift option Themba Zwane, Mbekile is aware he will have to work 10 times more if he is to feature for the side on a regular basis.

“It is not easy to walk into the starting line-up, you have to work hard and be patient,” said Mbekile.