The January transfer window saw Masandawana’s squad bolstered with the signings of Bradley Ralani, Teboho Mokoena and Erwin Saavedra. With Sundowns enjoying success on the domestic stage in recent years, the club’s ambition is reflected in the pursuit of the African crown that is the CAF Champions League.
Veteran goalkeeper and experienced member of the side, Kennedy Mweene has travelled far and wide across the African continent in his exploits for Downs and for his national team, Zambia. Mweene is one of the few players in the country who has tasted continental success for both club and country, winning the African Cup of Nations in 2013, and the CAF Champions League in 2016. Few know more than ‘Kapalaya’ about the ins-and-outs of African football, and the shot-stopper has given his advice to the new recruits as to what they can expect on their first African journey:
“I think we’ve got three or four new players in the team, they know that Sundowns is always on the road and when they come to Sundowns they know exactly what to expect, because you’ll be at home for a day, then spend five days on the road and that’s what it’s all about with Sundowns.
“Welcome to Sundowns, don’t unpack your bags because we are always on the road and this is what we like – at Sundowns we explore Africa, we go and play in Africa.”
Mweene has made a number of appearances this season, keeping 4 clean sheets in the DStv Premiership and Nedbank Cup. Downs have only tasted defeat once the entire season, and when asked how the team is able to maintain such high levels of performance which see them earn these results, Kennedy attributed the winning culture that exists at the club as the main reason:
“We work hard at Mamelodi Sundowns, we don’t play for draws here, every game is a must win for us. The new players that have come in have found a team that is on the right path and they will jell in quickly [because] they are good players. They will be able to fit in properly because they want to achieve more with the team themselves, that’s why they chose to come here. They knew they wanted to play in Africa, they wanted to win the league, they wanted to win each and every trophy that is presented here in Africa and in South Africa.”
Mamelodi Sundowns continue with their CAF Champions League battle on Saturday, 19 January against Al-Merrikh of Sudan at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo. Kick off is at 15h00 and the game will be televised on SuperSport channel 204.
