Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has downplayed the club’s past struggles in Morocco in the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns travel to Morocco to face Raja Casablanca in a crucial Group B match at Stade Larbi Zaouli on Saturday (21:00).

The South African giants recently drew 1-1 with fellow Moroccan side FAR Rabat in Morocco, their second draw in the competition, which led to the dismissal of then-coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

Miguel Cardoso replaced Mngqithi and secured a victory in his first match in charge against Raja on 15 December in Pretoria.

However, Sundowns have historically faced challenges in Morocco, particularly against Wydad Casablanca, Raja’s arch-rivals. They have a poor record as they have lost five of their seven previous encounters in Morocco against Wydad.

“I don’t think it will affect our preparation; the past is the past,” Kekana stated at a press conference on Friday.

“Ours is to look forward to the next game. We have utmost respect for Raja because they are a big team and we know they are going to make it difficult for us. But we believe in ourselves, we believe in the structure, we believe in what we are doing.  

“It is just about us on the day making sure that we can put down what we have been working on.”

Kaizer Chiefs are the only South African club to have achieved a victory in Morocco in the CAF Champions League, securing a first-leg semifinal win in 2021 under coach Arthur Zwane.

Kekana, who started alongside Malibongwe Khoza in their recent 2-0 league victory over Richards Bay, was unexpectedly asked about his experience working under former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.

Mokwena, who enjoyed significant success with Sundowns, winning two league titles and the African Football Confederation Cup, now manages Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, where he is currently vying for a CAF Champions League spot for next season.

“Rulani and I shared a close relationship, as he did with all the players,” Kekana acknowledged.

“It’s good to see that he is doing well at Wydad, trying to revive them. We learned a lot from him and now the journey has continued with coach Miguel. He has the same passion, same insight, very dedicated to his work and it has been a pleasure having him since he arrived.”  

Impressively, Cardoso has maintained an unbeaten record since his appointment in December, guiding Sundowns to four consecutive victories, scoring five goals while maintaining a clean sheet.