Kekana backs Mamelodi Sundowns to retain African crown

Mamelodi Sundowns should set their sights on winning the CAF Champions League in consecutive seasons, according to club legend Hlompho Kekana.

Sundowns became the first South African side to win the prestigious competition twice after beating AS FAR of Morocco 2-1 on aggregate. Kekana, the first Mamelodi Sundowns captain to lift the trophy, believes the club now has the experience and belief required to achieve back-to-back success.

The Chloorkop-based side have established themselves as one of the leading teams in African football, and Kekana says their sustained involvement in the Champions League makes them strong contenders to retain the title.

Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma at the launch of the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, Kekana said the club’s record in the competition should encourage them to believe another triumph is possible.

“When you talk about the last time Sundowns won the trophy, it was 10 years ago. When you look at the team, over the years, you would fancy them to win the Champions League back-to-back. When you look at the confidence and even the number of years that they compete in the Champions League, that hasn’t been happening, but when you see them winning other competitions, it tells you how difficult the Champions League is,” Kekana said.

His comments come after Sundowns claimed their second continental title, having first been crowned champions in 2016. The club’s latest success against AS FAR means they have become only the second South African team to conquer the continent, following Orlando Pirates’ achievement in 1995.

Kekana acknowledged that success in domestic competitions does not automatically guarantee Champions League glory. However, he believes winning a major trophy at home would strengthen Sundowns’ confidence as they prepare for another campaign among Africa’s elite.

“Obviously, from their side to build confidence, if they can win that big trophy here at home, they can compete and win the Champions League trophy that comes their way again. It’s not gonna be easy though because every tournament has got its own rhythm, but I do believe that performances will give you the chance to win the trophy,” he concluded.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ success has been built over several years of regular Champions League participation, although Kekana noted that their ability to win other competitions had underlined how difficult it is to claim Africa’s top club prize.

The former captain’s backing places renewed expectations on the reigning champions, who will now be aiming to turn their latest continental victory into a period of sustained dominance. For Sundowns, a successful title defence would deliver consecutive CAF Champions League triumphs and further strengthen their position in the history of South African football.