Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says they are shutting out all negativity and distractions ahead of their crunch CAF Champions League final, insisting the squad is mentally ready for the biggest match of the season.
Sundowns face Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat at the Stade Moulay Abdallah. Kick off is 21H00. Masandawana are chasing their second star, having won the coveted Champions League for the first time in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.
They head into Sunday’s showdown carrying a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.
The Brazilians bear the weight of expectation as they chase continental glory, but Kekana says the mood inside the camp remains positive and focused.
‘NO DISTRACTIONS’: SAYS GRANT KEKANA
“We don’t want any distractions or negativity around us, and we want to go into the game as positively as possible,” said Kekana.
The 33-year-old defender admitted the team has reflected on previous experiences at this stage of the competition. Last season, Sundowns lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids in the 2025 final.
Nonetheless, Kekana stressed that the focus is now firmly on the present rather than dwelling on past disappointments.
“Obviously, we learn from them [mistakes]. It’s all experience at the end of the day, but we’re not too focused on what could have been done back then. We’re focused on the future and the present, and I think that’s our main focus.”
The Bafana Bafana international described a motivated and united dressing room as Sundowns prepare for what could become another historic night for the club.
“I think the team is good. Everyone is hyped up. We know what’s at stake on Sunday, and I think we’re in a good place mentally,” he said.
“We’re just trying to fix a few things so we can go there on Sunday fully prepared, but the boys are up for it.”
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, the South African international says Sundowns are staying grounded and understand that nothing will simply be handed to them.
“We would obviously love it, but nothing is guaranteed. We’re also not entitled to anything. Ours is to do the work,” he added. He assured the club’s followers that they would “leave everything on the field.”
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