Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has recently featured in a makeshift new role and has commented on what the future holds for him at the club. The 38-year-old Zambian has been a model professional, always ready when called upon, even in roles off the pitch.
Following the suspension of Wendell Robinson, who was shown a red card against Sekhukhune United, Mweene was asked to take on the role of goalkeeper coach for the Brazilians. He said that it was a direction that he wants to take in the near future as he is ‘quarter to’ retiring from the beautiful game.
“I came in because coach Wendell was suspended, he had a red card, so I was asked to help, which I did. I think it wasn’t too difficult because its familiar faces and people who we speak to every now and then. There was nothing hectic to do. It was business as usual,” he told journalists at the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw in Randburg.
“Like any other football player, I think I’ve always wanted to be a goalkeeper coach, not only in South Africa, but in my country [Zambia] we’re crying about goalkeepers and most of us former goalkeepers when we retire, we want to be head coaches and assistant coaches, forgetting that we have a lot of experience to give to the young and upcoming goalkeepers. So it’s very important that towards the end of our careers we do coaching courses so that we don’t cry the same that there’s no goalkeepers in the country.”
When asked about his status as a player, Mweene confirmed that he is still active, but is making strides towards a career post his playing days.
“I was asked by coach Rulani and I grabbed it with both hands and look, its something that a lot of my colleagues made fun of me for and it added a lot of spice but it’s something that I’ll always consider once I retire, but at the moment I’m still a player,” he concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn against Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup last 16.
