Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Ex-Chiefs star on what won Downs CAF crown, Kekana feels for Morena & more

Latest about Mamelodi Sundowns, including Junior Khanye’s take on why they won the CAF Champions League and Grant Kekana’s message to Thapelo Morena.

Motsepe revisits Cardoso’s first day statement

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has showered praise on coach Miguel Cardoso for the way he gave prominence to young players during his very first speech at the club and believes it fostered unity within the group which has led to their CAF Champions League triumph.

“You remembered Kutlwano [Letlhaku]. You pointed out a few of the younger players in the group when you first spoke to them,” said Motsepe.

“And everybody knows Ronwen Williams because he’s a South African legend, and also ‘Mshishi’ [Themba Zwane], what he’s done. But when a leader comes for the first time and he acknowledges the different members of the team and he sees the potential in the team, that’s something that is really special, really inspiring.”

Ex-Chiefs star on what won Mamelodi Sundowns CAF CL

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has outlined what he feels gave Mamelodi Sundowns the edge in the CAF Champions League this season as they went on to win their second title, 10 years since the first.

“Sundowns had two strikers that were very clinical in [Brayan] Leon and [Iqraam] Rayners,” Khanye told iDiski.

“At the back, they were much better compared to other seasons in the Champions League. I mean this guy [Keanu] Cupido is a special player. They got a big fish there. Their midfielders too, Jayden Adams, [Teboho] Mokoena and [Marcelo] Allende, they’ve got top class players honestly.

“The other difference is they have special players in important positions. The other thing I think they sacrificed the Betway Premiership to focus on this trophy. Yes, they wanted to win the league, their schedule was tight for me and I’m not making excuses for them.”

Kekana comments on Morena’s injury woes

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has weighed in on the injury that has locked his teammate and friend Thapelo Morena from the World Cup. Morena was in coach Hugo Broos’ plans but did not make the final squad as he did not recover in time.

“He fought so hard to try to overcome this injury, and we all wanted him to overcome it. It’s very unfortunate for him, and I feel his pain. But I also understand that maybe it was not meant to be. It’s just unfortunate that he picked up an injury,” Kekana said as per Sportswire.