By Michael Madyira
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Hlompho Kekana has demanded maturity from the Brazilians whose CAF Champions League group campaign is now at risk.
Ahead of hosting Al Ahly at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, the Brazilians are second in Group B with two points fewer than log leaders Al Hilal.
They need a victory to reclaim the lead and if they lose, they will further drop to third spot which Al Ahly currently occupy.
“My feeling is the team will win if they grind it; if they are not going to feel the level of entitlement saying we are playing at home and we must win it,” said Kekana on the Pitchside Podcast.
“If they want to win this game, make sure to work very hard with some level of maturity. When I mention maturity, I tick that box [for Sundowns] because it is important when you play such matches.
“You need to be mentally stable and sober to take on other things that are coming with this match and one of them is bullying.”
Sundowns go into Saturday’s match fresh from dropping points in last weekend’s Premier Soccer League clash with Stellenbosch.
That result ended a 15-match winning streak in the league and they would want to avoid going for two straight games without a victory for the first time since May 2022.
Masandawana goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene agrees with Kekana on the “bullying” tactics which North Africans are known for.
“This match won’t be easy, you know Al Ahly,” said Mweene.
“We just have to defend properly. When North Africans score they will start sleeping on the floor the whole game.
“But my colleagues know how to play games like that. It will be tough but I’m confident we will carry the day”
The reverse fixture between Sundowns and the Cairo giants ended 2-2 in the Egyptian capital city two weeks ago.
Pictured above: Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
