Sundowns skipper Kekana targets milestone title win

Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Hlompho Kekana says the Brazilians squad is ready to press to extend their impressive recent record with more silverware when the season starts.

Sundowns missed out on continental success this term but still have a domestic treble in their sights.

Bidvest Wits await Sundowns as their first opponents in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals which will relaunch the 2019/20 season next weekend.

Masandawana are also well placed to complete what would be a third successive league triumph even if they are four points behind PSL leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

Sundowns hunt more silverware

If Kekana can lead Downs to the title it will be the seventh time the captain has won the league with Kabo Yellow and the tenth PSL title for the club.

“This is going to be my seventh league title. It will be the third time in a row for us. This will also be the 10th for Mamelodi Sundowns. The club is also celebrating its 50th anniversary and we also want to win the treble. That is the goal of the club,” said Kekana.

“But we have to beat Bidvest Wits (in the Nedbank semis). Our games against Wits are always difficult.”

Sundowns have plenty to play for but will need to prove their motivation with the club facing a logjam of fixtures to complete their season.

“There’s a lot of motivation for us in the last remaining matches, that’s for sure. We all understand the importance of winning,” Kekana added.

Focus is key

The Sundowns skipper admitted that remaining focused with everything going on in the world right now would be a challenge for his team.

“Our mental strength will be required in these last games,” the skipper said.

“There are a lot of things that are not football related that are going to be happening.

“We have to control what we can and that is going to require mental strength. We will try to stay focused and win our matches.”

Sundowns happy to be back

Kekana said that despite the distractions and drastically altered circumstances, all the players are happy to be back at training and getting ready to complete the season and entertain the fans.

“It hasn’t been easy as we have been inactive for four months and without any competitive matches,” Kekana went on to say. 

“But we are all happy that we will be back to action doing what we love. It’s been the same feeling for all athletes, I guess. We are training and getting ready for games.”