Hlompho Kekana runs the rule over Mamelodi Sundowns’ January signings

Although The Brazilians still have strikers Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro – the DStv Premiership joint-top scorer with seven goals, coach Rulani Mokwena has always maintained they were thin in attack. 

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Sundowns recruited attacking midfielders Matias Esquivel, Tashreeq Matthews and Thembinkosi Lorch last month, as well as right back Zuko Mdunyelwa. 

“The signings were pretty much about the attack more than anything, if you look at the majority of the players who recently joined the team,  they are attackers. We all know what Lorch can bring to a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, he adapts quickly, said Kekana.

Kekana believes Lorch, signed from rivals Orlando Pirates in one of the biggest PSL transfer deals to date, is likely to be integrated a lot quicker into the Sundowns setup because of his experience and quality. 

"They will need him very soon, especially in the Champions League, they will need fire power going forward. What you need in a Champions league is to score goals and goals will win you football matches,'' added Kekana.

Downs continued their love affair with South American players by breaking the bank for Esquivel, and – from the little he has seen – Kekana is impressed so far. 

"I watched him play, what a gem - a sweet left foot. Of course he is going to need to adapt and learn about what South African football is about and what it takes to be a Sundowns attacker,'' he concluded.

As for Mdunyelwa, a player Mokwena said Sundowns brought on board to compete with Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau, Kekana urges him to learn from the best.