View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Ex-Downs Midfielder To Inspire Unthinkable Promotion Challenge?

Ex-Downs Midfielder To Inspire Unthinkable Promotion Challenge?

When players are no longer in the spotlight, it's easy to forget about them. For instance, take Sibusiso Kumalo, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants midfielder who is playing his football in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. 

For some time after leaving Gallants at the end of last season, Kumalo was a free agent, until he joined Pretoria Callies four months ago. He got an opportunity to play football again and he is doing his best to take the chance, considering he is 33.

READ: Bafana To Be Backed By Chiefs Sponsors?

Speaking to the Siya crew after Callies' 1-0 defeat to University of Pretoria last weekend, Kumalo opened up on being without a club for some time and what it feels like to still do what he loves doing most.

"I stayed at home for a long time. It was about three months and then I got a chance here, so I am grateful. I was with Marumo (last season). It was not an easy journey, so that's why I needed to grab this opportunity with both hands. It's not easy to be outside there and not have a team," Kumalo said.

"My role is to keep on pushing the youngsters. I am pushing them and they are improving. We are getting there."

After their defeat to Tuks last weekend, Callies host Upington City at Dobsonville Stadium this Saturday. Currently in 13th place, Callies are some way from the promotion challenging spots, but Kumalo feels there's no reason to give up yet on booking a spot in the playoffs. 

READ: Zwane Reveals His Motivation To Come Back 'Quicker'

He's probably. They are just nine points behind third placed Milford, but they need to ensure that they pick up points and move away from the danger zone.

"We are looking for promotion. We are not just playing here to be here. We are playing for promotion. We will keep on going. We still have a chance. It hasn't been an easy season. This league is hard, but we will keep on going. We just need to try to win two or three games in a row and I think we will be in a position to compete for promotion."

FIXTURES

FRIDAY

Durban City v Venda FC

SATURDAY

Pretoria Callies v Upington City

Kruger United v Casric Stars

Hungry Lions v Leruma United

JDR Stars v Highbury

Leopards v CPT Spurs

Milford v Orbit College

SUNDAY

Baroka v University of Pretoria

Related tags

Comments

Top 5

Downs Legends Show Off New Kit In NYC Tournament

Jun 13, 2025 07:59 AM in Fan Park

Gallery: All Of Sundowns' Jerseys Since 2016

Jun 15, 2025 01:02 PM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

Mayele Causes A Stir Amid Chiefs Links

Jun 16, 2025 09:26 AM in LaLiga

Chiefs Move Onto A Different Congolese Star

Jun 13, 2025 09:58 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Naturena Doors Reopen: Pre-season Day 1

Jun 17, 2025 11:04 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pitso 'Leads' African Giants' Shortlist

Jun 17, 2025 02:02 PM in African Football

SA Permanent Residence Derails Chiefs' Plan?

Jun 17, 2025 01:52 PM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

Mokwana Reflects On First CWC Defeat

Jun 17, 2025 11:19 AM in FIFA-Club-World-Cup

Inside Mofokeng’s Memorable Foundation Launch

Jun 17, 2025 01:31 PM in Fan Park