Watch VideoMamelodi Sundowns call for the country’s support ahead of demanding Caf Champions League clash

Grant Kekana, one of the senior players at Mamelodi Sundowns, understands the pressures of playing at the top level and against a tight schedule as they welcome Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League at Loftus Versfeld n Friday night. Mamelodi Sundowns are accustomed to hoisting the country’s flag on the continent, and that is why they have continued to call for a “healthy working relationship” between all stakeholders for a successful mission this season. Sundowns are in the CAF Champions League quarter-final, where they will face Stade Malien for a place in the semi-final over two legs, starting at Loftus Versfeld in Hatfield on Friday night (8pm).

The Brazilians head into the first leg at the back of a demanding domestic schedule while juggling continental commitments,having faced Orbit College FC in Rustenburgon Tuesday night – just three days before the clash against Malien. The non-postponement of that match took a toll on their preparations, including rest, unlike most of their quarter-final counterparts who were given time off from domestic fixtures to focus on their continental assignments. That decision by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) forced coach Miguel Cardoso to reshuffle his squad,prioritising certain matches such as the one against Malien– a situation that can disrupt synergy, momentum and consistency within the team.

Grant Kekana, one of the senior players in the squad, understands the pressure that comes with balancing domestic and continental football. As such, he praised the workload management of the medical and technical team.