Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Cele’s signing lauded, Mokoena, Modiba boost & more

Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news, including Hlompho Kekana’s take on how Thabo Cele’s arrival protects Teboho Mokoena, plus a timely fitness boost ahead of the MTN8 final.

Kekana: Why Cele signing is good for Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana has backed the club’s move for Thabo Cele, saying the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder gives Masandawana the depth they need to protect Teboho Mokoena from burnout.

Cele’s arrival at Chloorkop adds another body to an already stacked engine room, and Kekana — who anchored that same midfield for years himself — says he knows first-hand what a punishing fixture list can do to a player’s body.

Speaking to FARPost, the former Sundowns captain said Mokoena has been excellent in his role, but stressed that even top performers need serious cover behind them.

“Look, when you are a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, you need personnel that have been tested, with the combination of youth and experience because in that position, Mokoena has been excellent, let’s be honest,” Kekana explained.

“I was that player who played so many games, and I know the impact of having to play so many matches. Sometimes you play when you are not fresh, and that’s where injuries come into play.

“But when you have a bench that can back you, and they are on the same level as you, then even when you are injured, you are not worried because someone else will take the team to the level that it has always been at,” he added.

Mokoena and Modiba boost before MTN8 final

Meanwhile, Sundowns have been handed a timely fitness boost ahead of their MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, with Teboho Mokoena now expected to be available for the showpiece at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 10.

Mokoena missed Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 win over Eritrea in Cairo after picking up a knock during the win over Guinea in Soweto, and there had been some concern over how serious the issue was. Those fears appear to have eased, with the midfielder reportedly on track to be fit for the final.

Defender Aubrey Modiba, who also missed the Eritrea match through injury, is said to be in a similar position and should be back in contention in time for the Pirates clash too.

There’s less clarity around Bathusi Aubaas, however. He came in for the injured Mokoena against Eritrea but was himself forced off before the end of the match, and Sundowns are still waiting on a full assessment before they’ll know how long he might be sidelined.