Mohomi’s sweet homecoming

When Lucky Mohomi pulls on the famous yellow jersey, his mission would not be just to make a name for himself. Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

When Lucky Mohomi pulls on the famous yellow jersey, his mission would not be just to make a name for himself. Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Published Aug 27, 2016

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When Lucky Mohomi pulls on the famous yellow jersey, his mission would not be just to make a name for himself.

The new Mamelodi Sundowns' midfielder will be representing what a certain community has been yearning for. For years, the people of Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, have not had one of their own turning out for the PSL champions. Though Sundowns hail from Mamelodi, they have not had a player from this township, one of the most famous in South Africa, for some years. The last Mamelodi player to appear in their line-up was winger Koketso Mmotong, who turned out for them five seasons ago.

Interestingly, Mmotong, formerly with Platinum Stars, joined Sundowns after pressure was put on his family by the people of Mamelodi, who wanted one of their own in the team.

Now in Mohomi, those rallying behind the team from Mamelodi feel finally there’s a true Sandawana in Pitso Mosimanes side.

When the 25-year-old Mohomi signed for Sundowns from Free State Stars, there was joy in the east of Pretoria. Even Sundowns' billionaire owner, Patrice Motsepe, shared his excitement at the arrival of the lad who hails from Extension 5 in Mamelodi East.

“What excites me about Mohomi is not only that he is an excellent player but that he comes from Mamelodi, which is where Sundowns have their roots,” said Motsepe.

Mohomi is often stopped in the streets in his neighbourhood by well-wishers who encourage him to punch above his weight in order to emulate the likes of Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau, Joel ‘Fire’ Masilela and Joas Magolego, Themba Mnguni and a host of others who put Mamelodi on the map.

“Everybody from Mams was happy about the move. With the support they have given me, I think it’s time I repay their faith and show I deserve to be here,” said Mohomi.

The man known as ‘Fabregas’ is ambitious. He is dreaming of the day when an open-deck bus will be touring Mamelodi, parading one of the biggest trophies in African football.

“Everybody has ambitions. We come to Sundowns and achieve more. I am lucky they have registered me for the CAF Champions League. It will be a dream come true to bring the star home to Mamelodi. I want some day to say I was part of the team that made history,” said Mohomi.

He has a lot of work to do. He faces stiff competition from big names in the Downs midfield - Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Thapelo Morena, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Themba Zwane.

“To play with such quality is a dream come true. So I am honoured to be a part of this team,” said Mohomi.

The man who plays as a central midfielder or winger said coach Mosimane has been trying him in various positions during pre-season.

“So far all is going to plan and I am enjoying all the sessions. The coach has told me there are many positions where he would like to try me. Pitso is a very good coach. I can see he wants people who work hard. Players who understand the philosophy of the team. He gives you freedom to play and express yourself. He guides you,” said the former Garankuwa United player.

Mohomi would be hoping to make a debut in the Tshwane derby when Sundowns take on rivals SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow. - Saturday Star

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