Kekana says Sundowns ready to bounce back following MTN8 humbling

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says he and his teammates are looking to bounce back against Maritzburg United on Tuesday following their MTN8 semi-final elimination. 

The Brazilians were humbled 3-0 by Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, causing a coaching reshuffle. Rulani Mokwena was promoted to the sole head coach position, Steve Komphela moved to first team coach and Manqoba Mngqithi demoted to the role of senior coach.  

Despite the current unrest within the club, defender Grant Kekana is fully focused on the game and says he and his teammates are shifting their focus back to the league.  

"The result over the weekend was a hard one to take," Kekana told reporters. 

"We know we are the defending champions of the MTN8, so we would've wanted to progress to the final to defend our title but it wasn't to be on the day.  

"We are obviously disappointed but we don't want to dwell on it too much because we can't do anything about it. Our next focus is the league."

Opponents Maritzburg have had a poor start to the season as they sit a lowly 13th, recording two victories. Despite their poor form, Kekana is not taking them lightly and he expects a tough encounter at the Harry Gwala Stadium. 

Sundowns currently lead the league. 

"We'll be looking to bounce back to get over the loss we suffered against Orlando Pirates and hopefully get a positive result out there. 

"It's going to be a tough encounter against Maritzburg United, they are down in the relegation zone, and they will be looking to get out of it. It's always tough going to Maritzburg but it's an encounter we will be prepared for and give all our effort and try and get a positive result.  

"We have to be really prepared, we know that they'll be