Sundowns are rarely granted an extended break because of a packed schedule that combines domestic and continental football. Last season they returned from the FIFA Club World Cup and were immediately thrown back into league action with little time for recovery or preparation.
This year, however, the club received special dispensation from the opening round of Betway Premiership fixtures following the tragic death of midfielder Jayden Adams. Their match against Marumo Gallants has been postponed until 19 August, allowing Sundowns to complete a pre-season tour of Austria.
Miguel Cardoso’s side finished the tour in emphatic fashion with a 7-0 victory over Qatari club Al-Sailiya. Earlier in the trip they drew 1-1 with Hertha Berlin, lost 2-0 to Al-Hilal and shared another 1-1 draw with Algerian side MC Alger.
“For the first time in a long time Sundowns are getting the pre-season they have been longing for,” Kekana told the club’s media channel. “Last season was very tough coming straight from the Club World Cup into the league with so many games already in their legs.”
The former captain, who won eight league titles during his career, also believes the extra preparation time will help the club’s new signings settle into Cardoso’s system.
“More than anything, they have now had time to integrate the new players,” he said. “I believe the team is heading in the right direction and will be ready to compete for every trophy.”
Sundowns will finally begin their season on Saturday when they host Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final.
In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
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Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.
Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.
The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.
The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.
But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.
The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.
It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.