Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Kekana hails key boost, Shalulile opens up on Yanga move & more

Latest on Mamelodi Sundowns, including club legend Hlompho Kekana highlighting the importance of a proper pre-season, Peter Shalulile opening up on his departure, and more.

Kekana: Sundowns finally getting the pre-season they’ve longed for

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana believes the Brazilians are reaping the rewards of a proper pre-season for the first time in years, and expects it to make a significant difference in the 2026/27 campaign.

Siyanda Ndlovu in training with Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

The former captain pointed to the physical toll of recent seasons — particularly the demands of the FIFA Club World Cup — as evidence that Miguel Cardoso’s squad desperately needed a structured preparation window. Kekana told Sundowns media that the extended break and European tour would prove vital as the club chases silverware on multiple fronts.

“For the first time in a long time, Sundowns are getting a pre-season that they have been longing for,” said Kekana. “It was a tough one last season coming from the Club World Cup and straight into the league. They had to play with a lot of games under their belt.”

Beyond fitness, Kekana stressed that the break has allowed the coaching staff to properly integrate new signings into the system — a luxury the club has rarely had in recent years.

“More than anything, I think now they have got that break to integrate new players into the system,” he added. “I believe that going forward, the team is heading into the right direction where they want to compete for every trophy in the league.”

Shalulile reveals spiritual calling behind Yanga move

Peter Shalulile celebrates a goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has broken his silence on why he chose to join Tanzanian giants Young Africans after his contract extension at Chloorkop was rejected.

“It was a little bit tough, but what made it easy for me was I met the chairman a few years ago,” said Shalulile, as quoted by Dailysports. “And he had a dream that I’ll one day play for this big club which is Yanga.”

Shalulile added that the move was ultimately a deeply personal and spiritual one. “I make decisions based on how my heart feels. Spiritually, it means follow where your heart wants you to be. When we spoke with chairman, I said give me like two days. I prayed about it and obviously the Lord made it possible for me and I ended up here.”