Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says they are not going to underestimate the rejuvenated Nasreddine Nabi-led Kaizer Chiefs ahead of their Betway Premiership clash at FNB stadium on Saturday (15h00). 

The Soweto giants have had an impressive start under the tutelage of their new highly rated Tunisian mentor, securing back-to-back away victories over Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu in their first two league outings of the season. 

The reigning PSL defender of the season expects a tough test from the Glamour Boys and emphasizes the importance of showing them respect as they are displaying signs of improvement. 

“We understand that it’s going to be relatively tough,” Kekana said. 

“They have a new coach, they are highly motivated, and they are also looking good, and we have to respect them going into Saturday. We have to apply ourselves correctly so that the result can favor us.” 

Sundowns handed Chiefs their record home defeat as they thrashed them 5-1 on their last league visit to Soccer City in April, but Kekana, who admits the Naturena-based outfit caught his eye, insists that they can’t dwell on past results. 

“Definitely [impressed about Chiefs], I think they are on a good run, ” he said. 

“They are building something and it’s good for South African football to have a big team out there, so yeah, it’s going to be a tough one but one that I’m looking forward to. 

“It completely new season, not completely a new team but a new coach and new ideas for them so we can’t dwell on what happened in the past, that was last season’s work. It’s a new season so the challenge is going to be different, but we are highly motivated for it.” 

With Chiefs playing their first two matches in front of sold-out crowds and the showdown on Saturday promising to follow suit, the 31-year-old Bafana international looks to draw inspiration from their continental experience of playing in front of tense atmospheres. 

“It’s a positive factor for them,” Kekana acknowledged. 

“But it’s just about us controlling our emotions, the game and the tempo, dictating how we want to play and how fast we want to play and the experience that we’ve gained in CAF should do us justice.”  

Meanwhile, Kekana has backed Iqraam Rayners, who has scored three goals in as many appearances for Sundowns to keep scoring as the Brazilians look to extend their nine-game unbeaten run against Chiefs in all competitions. 

“We played together from Supersport, I think for him it was easier to gel because there were a lot of familiar faces,” said the Downs center-back. 

“And we are just happy that he’s banging in the goals, we need him to continue banging in those goals throughout the season.”