Sundowns look to make history with second Champions League title

Mamelodi Sundowns who were just crowned Betway Premiership champions for a unprecedented eighth successive time last Sunday, will be oozing confidence ahead of their CAF Champions League final against CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.

The mood at their headquarters in Chloorkop was upbeat as the players were put through their paces in their final training session on Friday morning.

And veteran midfielder Temba Zwane, says that team is ready for Saturday’s clash.

“Tomorrow’s game is very important to us as Masandwana family and (we) know for sure that finals are not easy but I think us, as a team, have prepared very well. I think it’s not the first time meeting them. We met them before, we know what to expect. I think this week we have been analysing them and I think our preparations is going well,” says Zwane.

The Brazilians, who finished second in their group, knocked out Tunisian side Esperance and Egyptian giants Al Ahly on their way to the final.

Coach Miguel Cardoso expects that these next two games will be equally challenging.

“Obviously, I expect two very difficult games, like we had two very difficult games in the semifinals and quarterfinals. The level of the team is similar, (but) different characteristics. But the level is similar. But it’s also up to us to think about ourselves. We know we are a very strong team, we play with all the energy, all the desire all the passion, all the quality, all the intention and intentionality that is what’s important for us,” says Cardoso.

Cardoso who took over the reins at Sundowns late last year, believes that his players must be systematic on the field.

“The team should play and organise themselves. While they play sometimes when teams are playing, they get disorganised and in those moments, the opponents can hurt you a lot. Obviously, that’s what we need to do, have the freedom and the mental freedom to play permanently and involve everybody on the game, but at the same time, that everybody understands that regarding the way the ball is played, to keep the organisation to prevent the loss of the ball,” says Cardoso.

Despite there being other Premiership matches scheduled at the same time, the match at Loftus is a sold-out affair and the coach has encouraged fans to come out in their numbers.

If they win, Masandawana will have a chance to become the first South African club to earn a second coveted star on the sleeve of their playing jersey.

Kick-off at Loftus Versfeld is at 3pm.

CAF Champions League | Mamelodi Sundowns looking to be kings of Africa again: