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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Hlompho Kekana has heaped praise on team-mate Tiyani Mabunda, citing his mental strength and self-belief.
Kekana has formed a formidable midfield combination with Mabunda, with the duo recently featuring in the 2-1 victory over Zamalek in a CAF Champions League tie in Cairo on Sunday night.
Following the team's arrival from Egypt, Kekana told reporters at the OR Tambo International Airport that all credit must be given to Pitso Mosimane and his technical team for the dominant form that Masandawana find themselves in.
"I think I should compliment my technical team for giving us this opportunity to represent the team. It is not an easy task to play at Sundowns," he said.
Speaking about Mabunda, who netted the first of Sundowns' goals against the White Knights, Kekana lauded his midfield partner for believing in himself.
"I want to thank 'Sugar' for having the mental strength belief in himself. We are doing very well and we complement each other well," Kekana said.
"We are trying so hard to help the team and we are doing well in that aspect."
Mabunda also had kind words to say about Kekana: "For me to be able to play alongside Hlompho is a blessing for me, because I've studied him even before I came to Sundowns.
"I've admired the way he plays and the way he operates the midfield. So to be able to play alongside him is a great opportunity. I'm grateful and I'm not taking it for granted.
"He is like my second coach. The coach gives me instructions and when I'm in the field, you tend to lose focus and do other things that your body reacts too.
"But the guidance of him in the midfield with his experience, I can only get better because he always keeps on pushing me. I can only get better and better."
