Hlompho Kekana

Hlompho Alpheus Kekana (born 23 May 1985) is a South African former professional soccer player who last played as a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns. He retired on 31 August 2021 after he was released by the team. He is known for his powerful long-range goals and precision shooting outside the box. Quotes Moments like that reveal a lot of character and show how you bounce back in difficult times, because once you come out of that hole, you do not want to go back again, I like it when we are under pressure and on the edge because it builds character. a cup game is different from any other match in a season. There is no football without emotions, and if you look at the fans and how they react, it is purely because they are very passionate about football. Once the team can pick up the six points and go to the second round, they will be stronger together as a group. Hlompho Kekana: Mamelodi Sundowns must show character to overcome rare 'slump', February 2026,IOL by Obakeng Moletse As a team, we are always looking forward to testing ourselves, and these opponents will provide us with the much-needed challenge to see where we stand. Going up against these Clubs is a huge opportunity. We will be going there with confidence, knowing the hard work we have put in to reach this stage. We always kick off the celebrations with a good old braai, preparing ourselves for the new year ahead. And of course, music will fill the air—it’s an essential part of our festive vibe! We always gather to reflect on the year that has passed and set our goals for the future. My message to all is to stay safe, be patient and continue spreading positivity. Hlopho Kekana reminiscing on a stellar year and looking to the future, December 2024, MSFC magazine by John Aliu What defines the outcome is the one that comes with a lot of momentum, hunger and determination to win. I always believe that the CAF Champions League is a game of goals and not conceding. It is very fragile when it comes to that, you have to be very structured because you playing against teams that are well structured and know how to play. It is a two-legged final so you have to be cautious but at the same time try to score so it is a very tricky match Our players are national team players and experienced in playing on the continent. I believe it puts them at an advantage, and they just need to continue playing like they have been against the big teams such as Al Ahly and Wydad The way we play is always stretching teams and stresses opponents so if they lay the Sundowns way, I believe we stand a big chance of winning it again this time Of course midfield will always come handy for us specially with players like Themba and Nuno. I believe they can do well for us and hold the ball because North African teams are masters in waiting for small errors and they will pounce with counter attacks. You just want to make sure that you are always on the ball and create passing lanes and control the midfield. I think the most important thing is to make sure you stay calm in every moment. It will then allow you to play the way you want to play and be creative in moments. Of course, you will be pressed back at times, but you need to always stick to the plan and once you do that, the preparations will show. It is important that players stay calm and play the match and not the occasion. The occasion is always big at this level, but I believe the 90-minutes is more important that the occasion. Patience is key in the Sundowns way of doing things. We play with a lot of quality layers around who are able to make football look easy. At the same time, the opposition also likes to keep the ball so if you are Mamelodi Sundowns and not give them the balls easily, you starve them of those planned moments, and they start being impatient which is where you want them. It will be important to stay calm because remember it is a two-legged match. Former African champion Kekana backs Sundowns’ mental strength and experience ahead of TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final, 8 May 2026,CAF Online by Staff Reporter External links Category:Soccer players from South Africa Category:1985 births Category:Living people