A Mamelodi Sundowns defender is relishing the prospect of following in his mother's footsteps and perform duties for South Africa with pride.
A son to a Deputy Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, Grant Kekana is on the verge of becoming the second member of his family to represent the country after earning his first Bafana Bafana call-up ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco this evening in Rabat.
"[Representing the country runs in the family]. Yes, not on a sports scale but the political scale because my mom [Ms Sharon Pinky Kekana] is in politics," the lanky Downs defender said via the Bafana Bafana Media department.
"I am here to play sports, and I am trying to make the best out of it. I'm trying to give my all. I think that's all one can do, especially when you get to represent your country.
"It doesn't often happen that you represent your country, so when the opportunity arises, you just have to take it with both sides and give your all; that's what I am willing to do," added Kekana ahead of Bafana's tough opening Group K AFCON test.
The 29-year-old centre-back caught the attention of Bafana coach Hugo Broos with his impressive performances as Sundowns clinched a domestic treble, winning all the trophies on offer in the 2021/22 season - a fifth successive Premiership title, the MTN8, and Nedbank Cup.
Kekana, working like a trojan, made 35 appearances as the Tshwane giants also reached the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. He was also nominated for the Defender of the Season award last campaign.
"It's my first ever call-up. It also sorts of hit me by surprise, but I was quite happy to be called up. I've always wanted to represent my country, and I've been afforded the chance," concluded Kekana.
The clash gets underway at 21:00.
