“The Time Is Now”: Kekana Backs Sundowns To Seize Champions League Glory
Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana believes there has never been a better opportunity for the Brazilians to conquer the CAF Champions League than right now, following the shock exits of the competition’s recent heavyweights.
Sundowns will face Esperance in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès on Sunday.
This will be the third consecutive meeting between the two sides, having previously faced each other in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 season, when current Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was in charge of the Tunisian outfit.
Following Cardoso’s appointment at Sundowns in December 2024, the Brazilians avenged that defeat last season by overcoming Esperance in the quarter-finals. Sundowns then went on to beat Al Ahly in the semi-finals before losing to Pyramids in the final.
However, there will be no Pyramids or Al Ahly in this year’s semi-finals, with both Egyptian giants—winners of the last two editions—having been knocked out in the quarter-finals.
The other semi-final will feature an all-Moroccan clash between FAR Rabat and RS Berkane.
“We stand a very big chance because of our continuity and consistency in reaching these knockout stages,” Kekana told Sportswire.
“We have to do the job in Tunis, and we also have to do the job in Pretoria in the second leg. There is a very big chance for us to win the competition.”
Sundowns, who have reached the Champions League final three times in their history, last lifted the trophy in 2016 under legendary coach Pitso Mosimane.
Kekana was part of that triumph and went on to win the CAF Super Cup a year later, defeating TP Mazembe.
The former Sundowns captain insists he feels no jealousy at the prospect of a new generation making history, even if it means he will no longer be the last player to have won the title with the club.
“You know, when you are at Mamelodi Sundowns, you have to win trophies, and this is one of the trophies we want to see at Chloorkop,” said Kekana.
“I wouldn’t use the word desperation; I would say we are ambitious. We are an ambitious team that wants to win this trophy.
“We understand the importance of winning it because we want to qualify for the next Club World Cup, and there are many benefits that come with that.
“At Mamelodi Sundowns, you are expected to win the league to qualify for the Champions League. And you have to be in the Champions League if you want to compete in the Club World Cup.
“We are an ambitious team that has to achieve a lot in a short space of time in one season. You have to play more than 50 matches. It’s demanding, but that’s the reality of being a global team, as we saw when we competed against some of the best teams in the world at the Club World Cup.
“The players understand the demands of being at Mamelodi Sundowns, and I have seen a team that now knows it must win matches.
“I really hope they win it this year—for players like Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane and Marcelo Allende. This group deserves to be rewarded for everything they have done.”
