Orlando Pirates league triumph is good for South African football – Sundowns star Grant Kekana

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership title success is a positive development for South African football and will ultimately benefit the national team.

Pirates ended Sundowns’ dominance by clinching the league title for the first time in 14 years, preventing the Brazilians from securing a remarkable ninth consecutive championship.

Despite losing their grip on the domestic crown, Kekana welcomed the increased competition at the top of South African football, insisting that strong rivalry between the country’s biggest clubs can only improve the standard of the game.

Speaking at a Puma event, the experienced defender acknowledged Pirates’ persistence in challenging Sundowns over recent seasons and credited them for finally ending their reign as league champions.

“I think it’s good for South African football,” Kekana said. “Obviously, Pirates have been chasing us for the longest time, and they finally caught us this season, but they couldn’t catch us for too long. We decided to go to Africa and conquer Africa.”

Kekana’s comments referenced Sundowns’ continued ambition on the continental stage, where the club has established itself as one of Africa’s strongest teams and remains determined to compete for major honours beyond South Africa.

The defender stressed that having two powerhouse clubs consistently battling for trophies creates a healthier and more competitive football environment.

According to Kekana, fierce competition between Sundowns and Pirates not only raises standards at club level but also helps produce better players for the national team.

“But I think it’s good for South African football to have two big teams fighting against one another,” he continued.

“It only bodes well for the national team, and one can only wish those who are going to the World Cup all of the best.”

South Africa will be hoping to make a strong impression on the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Kekana believes the entire nation should unite behind the players representing the country.

“We as a nation need to rally behind them,” he added.

Pirates’ title-winning campaign has been widely celebrated by their supporters, who have waited more than a decade to see their club return to the summit of South African football. Their success has also reignited one of the country’s most famous rivalries, setting the stage for an even more intense battle with Sundowns in the seasons ahead.

For Kekana, however, the bigger picture extends beyond club loyalties. The defender believes that stronger competition in domestic football will help South Africa continue its growth as a footballing nation and provide a stronger foundation for future success at international level.