Sundowns in Champions League final centre-back tightrope

With Miguel Cardoso indicating that Grant Kekana will not be available for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach has to scratch his head for solutions.

Kekana was sent off by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Esperance a month ago.

READ| Downs defender caught up in mixed fortunes

It now appears that red card suspension has been extended from one match to two as per the CAF Disciplinary Code, in line with the rules giving the Organising Committee, the General Secretary, in consultation with the President of the Disciplinary Board, the power to apply disciplinary measures on all incidents registered based on the official match reports.

"Grant cannot play in the Champions League because he is still under punishment… suspension," says Cardoso.

Aubrey Modiba also missed both legs of the semi-finals against Esperance after being sent off in the second leg of the last eight against Stade Malien away in Bamako.

His red card was then reviewed with the foul he committed on Stade Malien’s Moussa Diallo deemed to have been violent conduct.

While the foul committed by Kekana appeared less severe, it seems he will now also sit out two Champions League games.

Being the most senior defender at Sundowns, his absence will be of concern considering Khulumani Ndamane’s struggles of late and the issues around the other central defence options.

Mothobi Mvala has just returned from a long-term injury concern, while Keanu Cupido went out injured against Kaizer Chiefs and is still being assessed.

Then, with Malibongwe Khoza, he has fallen down the pecking order this season.

Should the CAF punishment stick and the Tshwane giants be minus Kekana on Sunday, then Ndamane will have to play.

READ: Cardoso gets feet into decisive dozen days lap at Sundowns

Who he partners will depend on whether Cupido will have recovered.

Kegan Johannes can switch from right-back and play centre-back, just like Divine Lunga has done in the past when moved from left-back.