PSL champs taking nothing for granted

It would appear that it’s advantage Mamelodi Sundowns as they welcome Kaizer Chiefs to Loftus Stadium tomorrow, but can the hosts capitalise? While the Brazilians have been playing competitive football in the CAF Champions League, Amakhosi have not been convincing in their pre-season friendlies. More recently, Giovanni Solinas’s men lost 21 to Sundowns in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup played at FNB Stadium last month and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City in their Mpumalanga Cultural Experience clash.

Playing in their own back yard, the PSL champions will be looking to kick off the defence of their title on a high note. Midfielder Hlompho Kekana, however, has adopted a cautious approach. “We are going to play Chiefs and for us we are always scared to play Chiefs,” Kekana claimed. “Playing Chiefs is not an easy task for us, but we will try and do well for you guys that will be watching.

“For us it’s a business that we really need to run on the day. We will try to win the match even though it’s not going to be easy.”

Even new player Lyle Lakay believes that it’s a match that will prove tough for Sundowns to win, but he’s nonetheless relishing the challenge.

“We played Chiefs two weeks ago in the Shell Cup and I won’t say it’s any different,” said Lakay, who featured at left-back in that match.

“It’s our league opener, so I’m looking forward to it. Should I play, I just have to do what I have to do; work hard and everything.”

Sundowns failed to beat Chiefs last season. The Soweto side won 2-1 at Loftus in the first round, which was followed up by a goalless draw on Chiefs’ home turf.