Bafana Bafana midfielder Hlompho Kekana has been named the new captain of Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The experienced midfielder has taken over the armband from Ramahle Mphahlele, who recently completed a move to Sundowns’ rivals Kaizer Chiefs, while Thabo Nthethe had been leading the side in player’s absence.

Kekana has played down the honour, insisting the squad is full of strong characters.

‘Being appointed captain of Mamelodi Sundowns is just a title bestowed on me, as the team is made up of many good leaders who will be surrounding me, who I would want to lead any time,’ Kekana told the club’s website. 

‘It will be a massive experience for me and will require of me to be level-headed and always be the best I can be and work with my teammates for the success of the club.’

The midfielder admitted he was taken aback at being named the new captain.

‘I really did not see this coming. I know that I am an emotional player and have invested my soul in football. I always want to win and this is the spirit in the rest of the team. I have done much behind the scenes in terms of leadership,’ he added.

Sundowns are next in action when they face Enyimba in their final round of the Caf Champions League group stage on August 23.