Sundowns boss targeting CAF title ahead of Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns are just one step away from glory as they prepare to take on Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final this Sunday. 

Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday, the Brazilians face a tough challenge in Cairo, needing a win or a high-scoring draw.

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Having lifted their first Champions League title in 2016, they now aim for a second continental crown in what is their third final appearance. Their first came in 2001 where they fell to Egyptian powerhouse and record holders Al-Ahly.

The Tshwane giants will also participate in next month’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America. Club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe is hoping to go into that tournament as African champions. 

“It will definitely be a bonus to go there as African champions. It’s a motivation for us and it’s something that we want to do,” Motsepe said. 

“We have that opportunity and that privilege to participate in the final this Sunday. Is something that we’ve longed for in a very long time and something that we have cherished as a football club.

“Every season, this is something that we try to achieve. It’s something that we will always continue to strive for. We’re one step away from doing that so it’s a wonderful opportunity and we have complete faith in the players, the coach and the yellow nation.”

Should Sundowns emerge victorious on Sunday, it will be a significant boost before taking on some of the world’s top clubs in what will be only their second appearance at the global tournament.

Drawn in a challenging group featuring German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, Brazil’s Fluminense, and Ulsan of South Korea, Motsepe says the team is eager to display their renowned free-flowing football on the international stage.

“We are an inspirational football club and I always say this but it’s the truth because we have the responsibility to play daring and entertaining football, ” he added. 

“We also have a responsibility to give people hope through football. Our motto is ‘ The Sky is the Limit ‘so we are going to go out there and not limit our ability as a football club. 

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“We will show the world African excellence. When we went there for the first time in 2016, we were happy to be there and it was about us showing our culture and who we were. This time, I think we’ve learned our lessons and will go there wiser, stronger and bolder.”