Kekana says Sundowns are targeting dominance in MTN8 final

Grant Kekana says Mamelodi Sundowns are aiming to dominate rather than simply participate when they face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The match offers the Chloorkop-based club a second opportunity to win silverware this season, after they lifted the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns have not won a domestic knockout competition since their 2022 Nedbank Cup triumph, achieved when Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena were in charge as co-coaches.

Kekana made clear that the club’s ambition extends beyond merely reaching finals.

“Here at Mamelodi Sundowns, we don’t play competitions to compete, I think we play them to dominate,” he said.

The midfielder-defender added that Sundowns had been disappointed by their lack of domestic trophies last season, but believed they had put themselves in a strong position to change that this campaign.

“Last season we were unfortunate not to get any trophies locally,” he said.

“But this season we have given ourselves a chance especially at the start of the season when we are still adjusting to get a local trophy.

“So, we are highly motivated and I think the lads are just eager and ready to go.”

Kekana is available for selection against Orlando Pirates, although he is one caution away from suspension. His experience could prove valuable in a final involving a competition in which Sundowns have repeatedly fallen short.

“It is going to be important for us to assert ourselves because we have fallen short quite a few times in this competition,” he said.

“It has sort of been our Achilles heel, but the mood and the energy is different in the camp.

“We are all highly motivated and positive about this weekend’s fixture.”