Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana says the Brazilians were forced to use their pace and strength to overcome Black Leopards in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday.

Goals from Lebohang Maboe, Ricardo Nascimento and an own goal from Khomotso Masia saw Sundowns secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leopards at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Pitso Mosimane’s side have now overtaken Orlando Pirates to move up to second place on the Absa Premiership standing with 34 points after 17 games, trailing log leaders Bidvest Wits by three points.

Kekana, who was named Man of the Match, insisted that they capitalised on Leopards disorganisation in their defensive third, leading to their three goals.

‘It was very important, coming from a set-back against AmaZulu. It wasn’t a loss that we expected,’ Kekana told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘Coming to Black Leopards we knew it was going to be a fight more than anything because they never stop running to be honest.

‘So we knew if we match their pace and their strength, we stand a chance of winning the match and this is what we did.

‘The only way to hurt this team is to play forward everytime and we knew after their break that they were going to be disorganised at the back and that’s what we capitalised on.

‘I’m happy we managed to score the goals we always miss and the three points are important more than anything.’