Grant Kekana Explains Why Mamelodi Sundowns Are Not Trying to Prove a Point

Grant Kekana Explains Why Mamelodi Sundowns Are Not Trying to Prove a Point

  • Grant Kekana has explained why Mamelodi Sundowns are keeping their attention on their own campaign
  • The defender believes the early signs remain encouraging despite some defensive concerns
  • Sundowns are looking to build momentum and improve in key areas as they continue their pursuit of another strong season
Mamelodi Sundowns goals for the season
Grant Kekana says Mamelodi Sundowns are not trying to prove a point to their Betway Premiership rivals, insisting the African champions are focused on their own journey. Image: Masandawana / X
Source: Twitter

Mamelodi Sundowns are not approaching the new season with a point to prove to their rivals, Grant Kekana says, as the club looks to build towards another title challenge.

The veteran defender was speaking ahead of Sundowns' first home Betway Premiership match against Marumo Gallants at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. The Tshwane side surrendered the league title to Orlando Pirates last season but remain the African champions.

Kekana believes Sundowns' performances show the team is progressing.

"If you looked at the way we played against Kaizer Chiefs I think we dominated the ball, so we are still Mamelodi Sundowns, we are still the African champions," he told SABC Sport.

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Sundowns building towards their best

Rather than expecting an immediate peak, Kekana said the team is still finding its rhythm.

"Sometimes we are not going to start the season sprinting 100 miles an hour," he explained. "It's a build up for us."

He also pointed to their unbeaten start across three matches and said there were "a lot of positives" to take from their performances.

Grant Kekana
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has addressed questions about the team's early form. Image: Masandawana
Source: Twitter

Grant Kekana addresses defensive concerns

Sundowns have conceded five goals across three matches in all competitions, with set pieces identified as an area requiring improvement.

Kekana insisted the issue has not caused alarm.

"It's just been unfortunate this season, maybe lapse of concentration here and there," he said. "It's just about us improving how we deal with setpieces."

The focus, therefore, remains on improving Sundowns' own performance rather than responding to their rivals.

Bongani Zungu's surprise move adds another twist for Sundowns

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Dzikamai Matara avatar

Dzikamai Matara Dzikamai Matara is a sports and news writer at Briefly News with over a decade of journalism and editorial experience across Southern African digital media. Prior to joining Briefly News, Dzikamai served as Senior News & Current Affairs Editor at iHarare for six years, overseeing breaking news desks and sports feature coverage. He brings extensive experience in sports profiling, live match reporting, and investigative current affairs analysis. Email him at dzikamai.matara@briefly.co.za