Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana believes conquering the CAF Champions League has cleared the hurdle that mattered most, paving the way to reshape Masandawana’s ambitions.
The Brazilians got the continental breakthrough last season by winning the Champions League for the first time in 10 years. It atoned for ending the term empty-handed on the domestic front.
Even surrendering the Betway Premiership title to traditional rivals Orlando Pirates after eight straight seasons could not be felt. Continental success saved coach Miguel Cardoso, whose future at the club was a subject of speculation for the better part of the season.
The Tshwane giants are now preparing for the 2026/27 season in which they seek to dethrone Pirates and reclaim the PSL title.
KEKANA ON THE CONFIDENCE BOOST SUNDOWNS SPENT A DECADE CHASING
Kekana feels winning the Champions League could fire up the Brazilians for a new era of dominating the continent.
“It’s a huge motivation to win the Champions League because the last time we talked about Sundowns winning this trophy was 10 years ago,” Kekana told FARPost at the launch of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
“When you look at the team over the years, you would fancy them to win the Champions League back-to-back, considering the number of years they have been competing in the Champions League knockout stages. It is something they could start doing now. But that hasn’t been happening, but when you see them winning this strong competition, it tells you how difficult it was to win the Champions League.
“Obviously, from their side, it will build confidence that if they can win the big trophy, then here at home they can win each and every trophy that comes their way.
“It’s not going to be easy; every tournament has its own rhythm, but I do believe that performances will give you chances to win the trophies.”
HLOMPHO KEKANA’S TAKE ON MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ PRE-SEASON
Sundowns delayed their trip to Austria for a pre-season camp due to the passing of midfielder Jayden Adams. This has seen the postponement of what was supposed to be their season league opener against Marumo Gallants to August 19. A few days before the start of the season, Masandawana are still in Austria, finalising their preparations.
“It’s a tricky season for them in the sense that they didn’t have what we call the best preparations in terms of pre-season. But that was an eye-opener for a lot of teams and a lot of coaches and obviously, those who watch football from the sidelines, to know that this period in football is very important, which is pre-season,” the former Bafana Bafana midfielder went on.
“But I commend them for the fight throughout the season to push Orlando Pirates back. They didn’t make it easy for any team in the league. But they lost the league and the other trophies, which are the Carling Knockout, the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup.
“But they redeemed themselves in the big trophy that they had been longing for years. I was happy to see the team winning that one [Champions League].”
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