Kekana Warns Sundowns Against Complacency
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has outlined what the Brazilians need to improve this season if they are to reclaim the Betway Premiership title.
Sundowns endured a difficult domestic campaign last season, surrendering the league title after dominating the competition for eight consecutive seasons. They also ended the campaign without a domestic trophy, although they secured continental glory by winning the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians now have an opportunity to reclaim the Premiership crown, but they face strong competition from defending champions Orlando Pirates, who will be determined to retain the title.
The Chloorkop-based side have made a solid start to their league campaign, winning one and drawing one of their opening two matches. Their most recent fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Kekana believes avoiding complacency will be crucial if Sundowns are to mount a serious title challenge this season.
“I think the one thing we need to do this season is not get too complacent,” said the defender.
“I think sometimes last season there were moments when we thought things would fall into place for us instead of actually grabbing games by the neck. I think sometimes we got a bit complacent.
“For us this season, it’s about making sure we get results before complacency creeps in. That is what we are looking to do this season.”
Sundowns host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday, with Kekana emphasising the pressure and expectations that come with representing the club.
The Bafana Bafana defender said the team are determined to improve on last season’s performance and return to winning ways.
“Being at Mamelodi Sundowns is pressure in itself,” said Kekana.
“There are high standards that we set for ourselves. We try to go into every competition not just to compete but to dominate. There’s nothing different about this season. Our aim is simply to better what we did last season.
“I think we were a bit unfortunate, especially towards the end of the season. It could have gone our way, but it didn’t, and we have accepted that.
“Now it’s about remembering what we did last season and how we can improve this season so we can better our chances of winning the league.”
