Sundowns Star Addresses Mokwena Factor Ahead Of MC Alger Tie!

Grant Kekana during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal

As the stakes rise in the CAF Champions League group stage, Grant Kekana has made it clear that sentiment will be set aside when Mamelodi Sundowns host MC Alger in a decisive encounter this weekend.

The two sides played to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Algeria, leaving everything to play for in the return leg. 

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With qualification to the quarter-finals on the line, the permutations are straightforward: MC Alger sit second in the group on seven points, just one ahead of Sundowns.

A win for either team would secure progression to the knockout phase.

Adding further intrigue to the clash is the presence of former Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena in the MC Alger dugout.

Mokwena enjoyed a successful spell in Tshwane and retains strong ties with many of the players he once guided.

However, Kekana insists that personal relationships will have no bearing once the whistle blows.

Speaking during the Nedbank Cup Last 16 draw in Johannesburg earlier this week, the defender was asked about facing his former coach in such a crucial encounter.

“We’re grown men, you know,” Kekana said. “Obviously, we appreciate all that he has done for us, for the club. He will always have a special place in our hearts, but we know what’s at stake on Saturday. Throughout the 90 minutes, there will be none of that. There will be Mamelodi Sundowns, trying to get a positive result, and then we can shake hands after the game,” the experienced centre-back added.  

Beyond the emotional subplot, Kekana believes attention to detail will ultimately determine who advances.

“We need to focus on the small details, as I believe that’s what’s hindered us throughout the group stages,” he added. “There hasn’t really been a big difference, but it’s affected the results. So, I think on Saturday, it’ll be the little details that we need to focus on and make sure that we are able to apply ourselves correctly,” he said.

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Mokwena’s comments reflect the professional mindset within the Sundowns camp as they prepare for what is effectively a knockout match before the official knockout rounds.

After grinding out a stalemate away from home, the Brazilians will be banking on home advantage and sharper execution in key moments to get over the line. 

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix   

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