Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana says his side are determined to walk away with a positive result against Esperance when they clash at the Stade Olympique de Rades on Wednesday.

The Brazilians are currently placed third in Group C of the Caf Champions League with four points after claiming one win, one draw and one defeat while trailing leaders Esperance by three points.

The 32-year-old has called on his side to remain grounded as they look to snatch all three points against the side from Tunisia.

‘We are no longer underdogs, but rather the team to beat. It is normal for defending champions to be put under pressure,’ Kekana told the Mamelodi Sundowns website.

‘What remains for us is to remain humble in our approach, and to make sure we win our games.’

Kekana says he has been impressed by the commitment and determination his side have shown during training ahead of their crucial Caf Champions League encounter.

‘We prepared well, and it is clear all the players want to win.  It is very important for us to win so that we are in a good space. We will go to the stadium to play our own game, and hopefully, win,’ he added.

‘We now know the logistics of playing in the Championship – the long traveling hours, the long hours at airports. We are just happy as players. We are learning life lessons which you do not find in text books. The experiences are making us better players, better people and better individuals.

‘We are getting stronger mentally, and we will never give up. We are testing ourselves, our character and how we handle ourselves. We know the difference between our domestic league and the CL, and have adapted.’

Following their defeat in the reverse fixture against Esperance, the Bafana Bafana midfielder insists that Sundowns are determined to take the game to the Tunisians.

‘We need the points, perhaps more than they do, and if we play our normal game, I see us winning,’ Kekana concluded.

Mamelodi Sundowns against Esperance kicks off at 23:00.