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Kekana: Fear of losing affects big teams

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana says there is no such thing as an easy game for a team of the Brazilians' calibre.

Sundowns have struggled to find their best form of late and the defending champions now face an uphill battle in the defence of their CAF Champions league crown when they meet KCCA in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday.

The Tshwane side take a slender 2-1 lead into the game having squandered numerous chances last weekend to win by a larger margin in the first leg.

Kekana admits that Sundowns' own success has raised expectations and that the pressure is ongoing.

"It's the nature of the game. Look at Barcelona. They won a difficult game (against PSG) that no-one thought they would win. But they went to Deportivo (La Coruna) where everyone expected them to win and they lost," he was quoted saying on IOL website.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder added that it is often easier to play higher quality opposition.

"It's the nature of a big team. You have this fear of losing in games that everyone expects you to win. The anxiety takes over you. You are suddenly overcome by the fear of losing and failing to score.

"Those are elements that play in our heads because as the reigning champions we don't want to lose. 

"But when you are playing a difficult game, it becomes easier because that's second nature for you in a big team. We are more relaxed when we play the big games, which is why we do well in them."

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