Mamelodi Sundowns begin their 2025/26 CAF Champions League campaign with an encouraging development in their camp following the return of a centre-back from injury.
The Brazilians are in Nigeria for a date with Remo Stars FC in a second preliminary round, first leg match at MKO Abiola Sports Arena, in Abeokuta on Sunday, with kick-off set for 17:00.
Having lost to Pyramids FC in last season’s Champions League final, Masandawana are back to try and win this competition for the first time since 2016. It is a fresh bid for Sundowns, who have to see off Remo Stars and get to the group stage before the tournament’s gruelling knockouts.
They lead the Betway Premiership but have not been the ruthless side that was a nightmare to opponents in recent seasons. But coach Miguel Cardoso might want his side to turn things around and silence his critics with a convincing win in Nigeria.
WHO IS THE DEFENDER RETURNING FOR SUNDOWNS?
Boosting Masandawana is the return of central defender Grant Kekana after an injury layoff.
The 32-year-old last featured in a competitive match for Sundowns when they lost to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final, second leg on August 23. He has missed Sundowns’ nine games, and that period includes a defeat in the Betway Premiership by Golden Arrows and a Carling Knockout Cup elimination.
That left Cardoso picking his centre-back pairing from Mosa Lebusa, Malibongwe Khoza and Keanu Cupido, with another central defender, Mothobi Mvala, out injured. The former SuperSport United man also missed Bafana Bafana’s last two camps.
Kekana is part of the Sundowns squad that travelled to Nigeria. He has appeared in club videos, including taking part in full training while in West Africa.
His presence widens options for Cardoso at the back, as the Portuguese tactician has several players who were active for their respective national teams during the recent FIFA break.
“It is a fact that several of our players played two matches for their national teams, and it is also a fact that we travelled early to Nigeria to provide enough recovery time for them,” said Cardoso.
“The day before we departed Johannesburg on Thursday, we had an opportunity to do training sessions in preparation for the match, and now we are trying to acclimatise to the weather conditions.”
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