Johannesburg - If trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by 3-0 doesn’t worry Zamalek, then the presence of the real Hlompho Kekana dictating terms in midfield should.
The Sundowns captain had to behave himself in the first leg of the Caf Champions League final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, as he was a yellow card away from missing the second leg in Alexandria this Sunday.
Kekana played cautiously, using his intelligence more than his muscle. He pulled out of several 50-50 tackles because he didn’t want to risk missing the crucial leg in Egypt.
Wayne Arendse wasn’t as fortunate, though, picking up a caution that will see him watch the match from the stands. He, along with several Sundowns players who aren’t registered for the Champions League, travelled with the club Wednesday night to be a part of what could be the most memorable night in the club’s history - being crowned African champions for the first time.
So, Kekana will need to be at his best because he will not only have to control the midfield with Tiyani Mabunda, but he also has to cover in defence. Sundowns will have a new central pairing in Soumahoro Bangaly and Thabo Nthethe.
“It was hard because I played out of my character (last Saturday),” Kekana said. “I am always there, in the kitchen where it’s hot. But because of that yellow card I had to reserve myself and be a good boy, which was tough.
“I am happy that I managed to pass that test (and stay out of the referee’s book). I am now going into the second leg of the final where I will be myself.”
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was as cautious as his captain, replacing Kekana and Khama Billiat, who was also a booking away from suspension, once the result was guaranteed on Saturday.
To overturn the 3-0 deficit, the White Knights will use every trick in the book. Their chairman, Mortada Mansour, has asked for 70 000 supporters to be allowed into the Borg El-Arab Stadium, which sits 86 000.
But Egypt’s interior ministry has so far only allowed the club 35 000 supporters after initially saying that 20 000 would be allowed after a spectator ban was been partially lifted.
Al-Ahly were allowed 5 000 fans to attend the 2013 Champions League final, but supporters forced their way into the Arab Contractors Stadium and packed the 35 000-seater.
The Brazilians should expect similar on Sunday - a passionate crowd who create an electrifying atmosphere, as well as try to ‘blind’ their opponents with lasers.
“We experienced that in Algeria,” Kekana said. “We are ready for anything, including the lasers. I have been to Cairo before with Bafana Bafana. I know how they passionately back their team in an important match. It’s not new to us.”
Kekana was highly motivated to be available for this away leg because as skipper, he will be the first person from Sundowns to touch the prestigious trophy should they protect their lead.
“It will be a good feeling. We have seen our heroes bring the trophy home in 1995 (when Orlando Pirates won in Abidjan). We have experienced that and some of us were inspired by them,” he said.
“I am here today because of that generation. I was still at school when that happened. I’m now in the final. I can’t wait to bring the trophy back to South Africa again.”
Cape Times