Kekana Plays Down Amakhosi’s Latest Slip-up
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says Kaizer Chiefs’ recent loss to Siwelele in the Betway Premiership will count for little when the two sides meet, as Amakhosi have shown strong form in the second half of the season.
Sundowns will host Chiefs at a sold-out Loftus Stadium on Wednesday, with the teams heading into the clash on contrasting runs of form.
Miguel Cardoso’s side are on a high after back-to-back victories against Polokwane City, scoring four goals without a reply.
In contrast, Chiefs suffered defeat to Siwelele last week, bringing an end to a seven-match unbeaten run in which they recorded five wins and two draws.
Amakhosi also face a daunting task, with Sundowns having lost just once in the league this season—away to Golden Arrows—while remaining unbeaten at home.
In fact, Sundowns have not lost a league match at home since their defeat to Cape Town City in the final game of the 2023/24 season, which denied them the chance to complete an unbeaten campaign.
“It is going to be a tough game,” said Kekana.
“I think they have done well, especially in the second half of the season, to be in the position they are in.
“Despite their loss to Siwelele, we know what their form has been like. We will be wary of that and plan accordingly to nullify their strengths.
“It will be a difficult match, but one we will be prepared for.”
Sundowns have also enjoyed a strong recent record against Chiefs at home, having not lost a league fixture to them at Loftus Stadium since April 2021, when Gavin Hunt was in charge of Amakhosi.
While Sundowns remain locked in a tight title race with Orlando Pirates, they also have a two-legged CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat later this month.
However, Kekana—who was part of the side that lost last season’s final to Pyramids—insists the team is not looking that far ahead.
“We are taking it one game at a time,” he said, noting that Sundowns still have three matches to play before the first leg of the final.
“The focus right now is on Kaizer Chiefs. When the final comes, we will shift our attention to it.
“But at this moment, our full focus is on Kaizer Chiefs, and we want to be as prepared as possible to get a positive result.”
