Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana is confident that their season is going to get better after recent underwhelming performances both on the domestic and continental stage left a lot to be desired.

The Brazilians suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to top-flight rookies Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final before settling for a 0-0 draw at home against AS Maniema Union in their opening match of the CAF Champions League on Tuesday. 

Now, Manqoba Mngqithi’s charges will switch their focus to the Betway Premiership where they are set to host Sekhukhune United at Loftus Stadium on Saturday as they look to close the gap on log leaders Orlando Pirates. 

However, despite the disappointing results, Kekana insists that everyone at Chloorkop is focused on getting back to winning ways and not downing tools as he is convinced the season is still in its premature phase and can still be saved. “It’s been a tough week, obviously disappointed with the results of the final, we also couldn’t get a victory in our first Champions League game so we’re trying to pick each other up, we know it’s still a long season ahead, ” said the Sundowns center-back. 

“We can’t cry over spilled milk; we just need to rectify where we have to and make sure that we start winning games again. We are just trying to hold each other accountable; each gets given a task to do to make sure the team gets positive results.” 

Though optimistic that Downs can change their fortunes, the Bafana international is not taking Babina Noko lightly and expects a tough encounter ahead, acknowledging the quality players Lehlohonolo Seema has at his disposal. “Obviously when teams come to play against us, they’ll be fired up and we know that they lost their last game against TS Galaxy, but they have a good squad, good players as well as a good coach, so it’s going to be another tough game.” 

Kekana cautioned. “It’s a game we need to prepare very well for to get our confidence back up and to start getting positive results again.” 

The 32-year-old former SuperSport United player went on to urge the Masandawana faithful to get behind the team during this difficult spell, assuring that the defending league champions will turn the corner. 

“We need them to stick with us, we are going through a very tough patch right now and it happens, it’s not every day that things go your way, ” implored Kekana. 

“But we appreciate the support, we can hear them each game singing their lungs out no matter how well or bad we are playing. 

“We hear the drums and we’d just like them to continue coming, the tide will change, and we’ll start getting the rub of the green, ” he added. 

The Tshwane giants will draw inspiration from the fact that they haven’t lost a league match to Sekhukhune, winning five of their six meetings while the other match ended as a 1-1 stalemate back in August 2022.