Sundowns undaunted by international absences ahead of Pirates final

Grant Kekana says Mamelodi Sundowns’ preparations for Saturday’s cup final against Orlando Pirates have not been affected by the club’s mass international departures.

Sundowns were without 13 players involved with Bafana Bafana for more than two weeks during the AFCON Qualifiers, while Divine Lunga was away with the Zimbabwean national team.

The Bafana Bafana squad included Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Tashreeq Matthews, Themba Zwane, Cassius Mailula and Iqraam Rayners.

Modiba, Mokoena and Aubaas returned from international duty with injuries. A decision on whether they will be included in the matchday squad will be made closer to the game, which will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Despite the disruption, Kekana believes Sundowns have trained effectively and are ready to face the Buccaneers.

“It hasn’t been too difficult. Even those who were away are part and parcel of what our style of play is about. So, it’s just about the ones that were not playing regularly to sort of adjust and to get them on the same level as the ones who left (who were in the Bafana Bafana squad). It wasn’t too much of a headache to prepare during this international break,” Kekana told media.

Sundowns targeting cup-final response

Sundowns have not won a domestic knockout competition since lifting the Nedbank Cup in 2021/22.

They have since lost three cup finals, with Pirates responsible for two of those defeats. Saturday’s meeting therefore offers Sundowns an opportunity to respond against opponents who have caused them difficulty in previous finals.

“At Sundowns, we don’t play competitions to compete; we play them to dominate. Last season, we were unfortunate not to get anything locally, but this season we’ve given ourselves a chance, especially at the start of the season, to get a local trophy. We are highly motivated, and I think we are eager and ready to go,” Kekana said.

The defender added that Sundowns needed to take control of the final and address their previous shortcomings in the competition.

“It’s going to be very important for us to assert ourselves. We’ve fallen short quite a few times in this competition. It’s sort of been our Achilles heel, but the mood and energy is different in the camp. We are all highly motivated and positive about this fixture.”