Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has urged the team to be ruthless in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids.
The clash is set for Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, following a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Kekana, who famously lifted the Champions League trophy with Sundowns in 2016, believes the current squad has what it takes to bring the title back to Tshwane.
With the tie finely balanced, a winner must emerge on Sunday night. Sundowns are under pressure to score in Cairo, and Kekana has full confidence in the team’s ability to deliver.
He pointed to a strong core of experienced players, including Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile, as crucial to the team’s chances.
Sundowns will need a sharp and aggressive approach in a challenging away atmosphere. For Kekana, the formula is simple: take the game to the opponents early and show the hunger of champions.
“They must go for the kill, they need to win this match because it is going to be important to put the second star on the jersey,” said Kekana.
“In a game of football there are moments where, as a team like Sundowns that has been in the space for too long, you understand the demands. The Champions League is like a chess game.
“How you normally play at home is not how you play at home. You are playing teams that are the same level as you are and that is always difficult.
“This one is different but I have a strong belief that these boys have what it takes to go to Cairo and win this football match. It was a tricky first leg here at home where they took the lead but conceded late.
“When I look at that match, I was not worried because they were in control. They know the moments, this is the Champions League and it is a game of moments.
“You cannot take it for granted or lose concentration for one second. You saw what happened at the end of the match at Loftus where they lost concentration and they were punished.
“But I am sure they are aware of what is happening. They have played difficult matches before and I am sure they have done their analysis and corrections to check what happened at the end.”