Mamelodi Sundowns icon Hlompho Kekana insists the club remains
well-placed to secure more silverware this season, pinpointing cup
competitions as their prime opportunity.
In an exclusive interview, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder pointed to
Orlando Pirates’ recent cup double—the MTN8 and Carling Knockout—as proof
that knockout success hinges on sharpness and execution.
“There’s still a trophy to play for,” Kekana emphasised. “It might be late,
but the chance is there. You have to win your matches, and crucially, you
must score goals.”
He highlighted the decisive role of attackers in such tournaments, where
matches often turn on moments in the final third. “These competitions are
decided by goals. The strikers will play a crucial role.”
Kekana stressed the danger of letting games “drag on,” especially against
defensive opponents. “The players must understand: the earlier you score,
the better. It immediately plays to your advantage.”
While praising Sundowns’ technical strength and ability to control
possession, he argued that converting dominance into early goals is the key
in cup football. “They know how to defend with the ball. It’s just about
finding a way to force that early goal.”
With the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League still in play, Kekana believes
Sundowns’ experience and attacking quality make them serious
contenders—provided they approach each tie with focus and the right urgency.
