Ndamane Ready To Anchor Sundowns Defense Against Esperance Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumane Ndamane is a man of few words, but he is prepared to step up for the biggest game of his career against ES Esperance this coming Saturday.

Ndamane is expected to start alongside Keanu Cupido in the centre back pairing when Sundowns host the Tunisian giants in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

The Brazilians will be without the services of the experienced Grant Kekana, who saw red in the 84th minute of the first leg in Radès for a dangerous tackle.

That dismissal marked the fifth time Sundowns have received a red card in this competition—more than any other team in the tournament’s history.

Despite the numerical disadvantage late in that match, Sundowns secured a historic 1-0 victory. This was only their second-ever away win in the knockout stages at the 19th attempt (D4 L13) and their first-ever win at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in six visits.

With Kekana suspended, coach Miguel Cardoso will look to Ndamane to maintain the defensive line.

A draw on Sunday will be enough to propel Sundowns to the final for the second consecutive year.

“Yes, I can say that it offers me an opportunity, but it doesn’t mean that because Grant got a red card I have to be happy. I will play whenever I’m required to and help the team,” said Ndamane.

Ndamane, who joined Sundowns from TS Galaxy during the January transfer window, admitted that Kekana’s experience will be sorely missed in such a crucial match.

However, Sundowns will be boosted by the return of Aubrey Modiba, who was sent off in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Stade Malien.

“To be without Grant is a big blow,” Ndamane added. “As you saw in the first leg, he has great experience.

“But we have other players, and we will do our best and see where that takes us.”