Injury-free Karelse could steer Sundowns back into title race as he targets Golden Boot

Jerome Karelse has shown signs that he could turn the chase for the DStv Diski Challenge Golden Boot award into a one-horse race.

The pacey Mamelodi Sundowns youngster has already scored 10 goals in 14 matches to climb to the top of the goal scorers’ charts.

In the past campaign, Karelse was tipped to be one of the strikers to watch out for in the Diski Challenge.

He scored seven goals in nine games, however, his season came to an abrupt end as he sustained an arm injury which saw him going under the knife, and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

He came back at the beginning of the season and he has been outstanding so far.

Last weekend Karelse scored a brace and provided an assist when his side thumped Orlando Pirates 4-2 at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve. And it proved that he is a goalmouth predator of note.

Despite getting on the scoresheet twice, he was also wasteful as he could have easily scored a hat-trick on the day but over time he’ll be more clinical as his combination play with the likes of Sipho Maluleke and Thato Matli improves.

Talking after the match, Karelse said his eyes are fixed on the Golden Boot this season.

“It feels great to be back this season and getting back that goalscoring touch. It has not been easy but we will take it each game as it comes with my teammates and see how it goes,” Karelse said.

“Last season my arm broke, and I had to go for an operation. It was very tough being out for the whole season.

“This injury was a setback but it motivated me a lot. I had to come back stronger.”

Karelse added: “I have to win this season’s top goal scorer. It really has to happen. Last season I had an opportunity but injury derailed me. It will take a lot of hard work and consistency, getting something every game, a goal or assist to help the team because is not all about me.”

Karelse's outstanding displays in the Diski Challenge saw him being roped into the first team when they travelled to Mpumalanga to face TS Galaxy on Tuesday.

However, he was an unused substitute.

Born and bred in De Aar, Northern Cape, Karelse joined Sundowns in 2018 and played for the under-17 team. He was then promoted to under-19 before being roped into the Diski Challenge last season.