Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes the constant shuffling at the back this season, however unplanned, could pay off for the Brazilians as the campaign unfolds.
Injuries and rotation have forced Masandawana to dip deep into their defensive resources. Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Kegan Johannes, Malibongwe Khoza and Khulumani Ndamane have all featured in central defence this season, with Keanu Cupido sidelined through injury.
The club also moved on transfer deadline day to sign Wandile Dube from AmaZulu, bringing the number of centre-backs at the club to seven.
For a team that prides itself on stability, the lack of a settled defensive partnership has been noticeable. Kekana, though, insists the situation has had its upsides.
“We’d all love to have a solid base, but this has helped us adjust to each other, and the positive things, is yes here and there we have been conceding – but I think we have been coming out victorious,” he said.
The defender acknowledged that Sundowns have not always been watertight, but pointed to results as evidence that the group is finding its feet.
Winning while still learning each other’s habits, he suggests, is a sign of the squad’s depth and resilience. Kekana also pointed to the demanding schedule ahead as a reason the early disruption may prove useful.
“And to a certain extent, because of the amount of games that we will play this season – it’s going to help us gel in the beginning, it might not always look the best but I think going forward it will work to our advantage,” he said.
With a heavy fixture list spanning multiple competitions, Sundowns will need every one of their centre-backs at some point, and the experience of playing alongside different partners could become a valuable asset. The arrival of Dube adds another option to a defensive unit that has been tested early.
For now, the Tshwane giants will hope the minor wobbles at the back remain just that, as Kekana and his teammates work to turn a period of necessity into a long-term strength.