Kekana reveals ‘small glitch’ at Sundowns after Mokwena exit

Published on by Willis Sob

Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns had a dramatic pre-season and a poor start to the season both on and off the pitch.

It started with Rulani Mokwena and Masandawana parting ways after, reportedly, a misunderstanding with Sporting Director Flemming Berg

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi did not start his reign as the head coach on a high note as he might have anticipated. His team was knocked out of the MTN8 by Stellenbosch after a far-from-convincing display.

The Brazilians had struggled to get past Polokwane City in the quarter-final and had to dig deep in extra time to win by a solitary goal.

A small glitch affected Sundowns, Kekana reveals

Manqoba Mngqithi reveals contract details at Mamelodi Sundowns
Manqoba Mngqithi – Photo by Mamelodi Sundowns

Bafana Bafana international defender Grant Kekana has now explained the poor start by Masandawana.

“I think it was just a small glitch [setback]. We started slow, but we were performing well. That is something we want to improve as a team going forward,” he told the media.

“But there was no panic buttons from us or anything from us at the club [players and coaches]. Now it's quite well and I’ve been with him [coach Manqoba Mngqithi] ever since I have been at Sundowns.”

MTN8 exit, a blessing in disguise?

Mamelodi Sundowns 2
Mamelodi Sundowns, Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

The MTN8 elimination was the wake-up call Sundowns needed to kick-start their season positively.

Since then, Sundowns have been ruthless; they have so far played three Premier Soccer League matches, registering a 100% winning record. Orlando Pirates are the other only team in Mzansi with another perfect record in the early rounds.

In the Caf Champions League, Sundowns eliminated Mbabane Swallows 8-0 in aggregate to grab their group stage ticket.

Kekana reveals ‘small glitch’ at Sundowns after Mokwena exit

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.