Actor Koketso Motaung has explained how his grandfather played a big role in making a decision to support Mamelodi Sundowns, as he revealed why Neo Maema is his favourite player in the current squad.
Soccer Laduma caught up with Motaung to talk about how he became a Sundowns supporter, and a little about his acting career.
Before we get into your love for Mamelodi Sundowns, tell us a bit about your acting career.
I started acting last year. I was on the The River, which was my first time being on screen and I later got a call from Kokota, which is going to start this weekend. It's a new show. On The River, I played the role of Katlego and it was an exciting role. It really opened doors for me and now I am going to play the role of Abel on Kokota.
That's amazing. As a Sundowns supporter, how do you feel about the incredible start they have made to the new season?
I am honestly really happy about Sundowns. I normally tell people that there is no one who makes me happy like Sundowns. Even if they lose a match, I am still happy. They will actually give you that top performance, that Manchester City type of performance. Rulani (Mokwena) will give you that Pep Guardiola vibe. Sundowns' tactics are on point and most of the time I am happy about them. In the previous game against Chiefs, they did not start the first half so good, but then later on came back to life and showed us that they are really Sundowns.
Do you see Sundowns winning more than just the DStv Premiership this season, as was the case last term?
In terms of the league, it's going to be a challenging one because (Orlando) Pirates are also on point. They have signed good players and (Zakhele) Lepasa is on form. But at Sundowns, we have quite a number of good players. We have a squad that can compete at the highest level and I already see improvement in the team from last season. I definitely believe that we stand a chance to win the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. I think we are more likely to reach the semi-final or final of the Champions League. With the squad that we have, I am confident.
What do you think of the impact made by the new signings so far?
It's exciting. There is Bathusi Aubaas in the middle there. We have this guy from Brazil as well and he is outstanding. We have Teboho Mokoena and Allende who have been there as well. We have competitive signings and it means everyone else will work harder. I had been waiting for Bathusi to join Sundowns because I first saw him in the national team when I was working with SAFA. I was so impressed by him and I thought that Sundowns need to get him.
When and how did you start supporting Sundowns?
I started supporting Sundowns when I was 10. At first, I was influenced by everyone at home. Everyone is a Kaizer Chiefs fan, but I once went to my late grandfather's place and he was a Sundowns fan. He told me that I grew up in Mamelodi and my family was influencing me to support Chiefs. We were watching a Sundowns game at the time and the likes of Surprise Moriri and Godfrey Sapula were there. And then I was like 'ntate moholo (grandfather), I am joining you'. I felt that it was the team to support. From then on, I was a Sundowns supporter.
Who is your all-time favourite player from Sundowns?
Yes, I do. My favourite is Surprise Moriri. It was a G.O.A.T (Greatest of all time). I also like the fact that he was humble and he had great leadership qualities. He was a smooth guy and he played smoothly as well. I remember he scored against Barcelona in 2007, when they were playing against Ronaldinho and others.
Who is your favourite player in the current squad?
It's a super squad. Honestly, I would have to go with Neo Maema. I feel like they are not giving Neo his flowers. There are one or two games where he is not in the starting line-up, but when he comes in, he changes the game. He is my guy.
