Keloid patient plans to go back to playing soccer after a decade-long suffering from the disease.
Petros Malepe (43) from Manoke Village in Burgersfort, Limpopo said he’s eager to return to the field following a life-changing surgery at Mankweng Hospital on Tuesday, 2 September, where a 3,58kg keloid was removed under his chin.
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Having endured over a decade of suffering, Petros expressed his intent to get back to the pitch once he’s completely healed.
Speaking to Daily Sun, he praised Mankweng Hospital for their work.
“I didn’t encounter any challenges. They treated me well. I’m happy that the surgery was successful. My family is also happy. I’m happy and I’m going back to play soccer, because I love football.”
Petros further indicated that he’s concerned about the keloid reoccurring despite the smooth surgery.
He said he isn’t certain about the keloid’s possible recurrence as the hospital hasn’t performed radiation treatment on him yet.
“They said they’ll perform the radiation as soon as I’m healed. For now, we are not 100% sure the keloid will not come back,” he said.
Following widespread circulation of Petros’ condition on social media, Dr Ephraim Kgoete, chairman of Khayalami Foundation launched a donation drive in collaboration with Breaking New Grounds Foundation, which aims to intervene in Petros’ plight.
As Petros received help from a public hospital, the funds weren’t used as intended: R27 000 was raised (39% of the drive’s target).
“We are going to launch a petition to seek advice from the public and our donators because we must be honest with them to say the funds were not used for the intended purpose,” Dr Kgoete told Daily Sun.
Dr Kgoete explained that radiation reduces keloid recurrence risks.
“The process is recommended to be done within three days after the operation. Keloids reoccur. If you operate someone with keloids and you don’t do radiation, the keloids may reoccur.”
“Radiation simply refers to the burning of the cells that are capable of multiplying again and forming more scars,” he said.
He also mentioned plans to organise activities towards the end of November 2025 to celebrate Petros’ surgery.
“We are going to have an event towards the end of November. We are still waiting for some confirmation of the date.”
“We usually don’t celebrate specific individuals, but this can be part of our event,” he said.
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The Limpopo Department of Health highlighted the procedure’s benefits.
“The procedure will not only improve Mr Malepe’s physical appearance, but will bring relief,” said Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego.
