Key defender returns to boost Sundowns ahead of CAF Champions League tie

Mamelodi Sundowns’ bid to reclaim the CAF Champions League trophy has received a timely lift with the return of experienced defender Grant Kekana from injury.

The Brazilians are in Nigeria where they will kick off their 2025/26 continental campaign against Remo Stars FC in a Second Preliminary Round, first leg match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena on Sunday (5:00 PM SA time).

Coach Miguel Cardoso will welcome Kekana’s presence as he seeks to silence critics who have questioned the team’s ruthlessness and style of play this season, despite their lead in the Betway Premiership.

Kekana’s Timely Comeback For Sundowns

The 32-year-old central defender has been a significant miss for Masandawana, having been sidelined since the MTN8 semi-final loss to Orlando Pirates on August 23. Kekana’s nine-game absence saw Sundowns suffer a league defeat and a cup elimination, leaving Cardoso to rotate his central defence with Mosa Lebusa, Malibongwe Khoza, and Keanu Cupido in the continued absence of Mothobi Mvala.

Kekana has travelled with the squad to West Africa and has been taking part in full training sessions, giving Cardoso much-needed depth and experience at the back.

Managing International Fatigue

Cardoso acknowledged the challenge of integrating players who were recently active during the FIFA break but stressed that the club took precautions to manage fatigue.

“It is a fact that several of our players played two matches for their national teams,” Cardoso said. “It is also a fact that we travelled early to Nigeria to provide enough recovery time for them.”

The early arrival in Abeokuta has allowed the team to hold preparatory training sessions and acclimatise to the local conditions, ensuring the squad is as prepared as possible for the crucial first step toward the group stages. Having lost in last season’s final, Sundowns are determined to go all the way and secure their first Champions League title since 2016.