Experience key as Downs begin defence of continental title

THE feeling of going into the CAF Champions League as reigning champions is great, but this honour also comes with the pressure of having to deliver.

With a star above their club badge, Sundowns will begin the defence of their title against Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA) at Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight (7.30pm) looking to make a good start after taking Africa by surprise during last year’s competition.

“The feeling is good going into the tournament. We were underdogs last year, but now people know about us. It will be difficult. It’s difficult to pick one team who will be the favourites. The tournament is tricky,” said Downs captain Hlompho Kekana.

“We have gained experience in the tournament. We have a big responsibility to represent South Africans in this tournament. We have a good team to compete.”

Sundowns have seen footage of KCCA’s matches, making it a bit easier to prepare for the Ugandan Super League champions.

“We are aware of how they play. We have to make sure that at home we use every chance we get. If we can get goals at home, then we can do well,” said Kekana.

KCCA’s defensive midfielder Isaac Kirabira told the club’s website he has been watching some of Sundowns’ matches on TV and that they’ll be ready for the challenge.

“We are ready as a team. We respect them because they are the defending champions but we are also champions back home,” said Kirabira.

“I got the chance to watch them on TV and they play with speed, especially in the midfield. We just need to be more cautious and play as a unit.”

KCCA knocked out CD Primeiro de Agosto from Angola on the away-goals rule in the preliminary round, after the match finished 2-2 on aggregate.