Mamelodi Sundowns are on the cusp of becoming the first South African club with two CAF Champions League titles.
Orlando Pirates lifted the title in 1995 before Masandawana followed suit in 2016. Sunday sees Sundonws take a 1-0 lead to Rabat in Morocco after winning in Tshwane last Sunday.
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THEMBZ ZWANE SENDS HISTORY MESSAGE TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TEAMMATES
Themba Zwane knows the experience of the African championship. He was in Tunisia when Sundowns become champions in 2016.
“I will try to remind them how big it is and the excitement we are going to get in the country. We have to push ourselves and try to make history,” Zwane said.
“I think this group will be remembered after 10 years. Overall, it’s to remind them of the importance of this game.
Unlike the 2016 final where Sundowns carried a three-goal cushion into the return leg against Zamalek, the current advantage is far slimmer.
That means another big performance will be needed away from home.
POSITIVE MOOD REMAINS
Preparation was not entirely smooth. Sundowns’ departure to Morocco was delayed after permit issues affected their planned charter flight, forcing the team to leave a day later.
Still, Zwane insists the atmosphere has remained positive. “The travel was long, but I think the mood is super okay. Everyone is so excited,” the Tembisa-born legend added.
“You can see the brotherhood. We push one another. We had some fun on the flight. We are trying to keep the mood to be positive as much as we can,” Zwane concluded.
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SUNDOWNS FORM
Domestically, Sundowns wrapped up another dominant Betway Premiership campaign after securing the league title with 68 points ahead of Orlando Pirates.
Kabo Yellow did, however, show small signs of vulnerability in their final league matches. They suffered a late 3-2 defeat away to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium shortly after an extraordinary 7-4 win over Siwelele FC.
Going forward, they remained devastating, continuing to show the attacking power that has defined much of their season. But defensively, the final stretch exposed moments of looseness and lapses in concentration.
For all the defensive questions raised by the closing league fixtures, Sundowns still arrive as a team built around attacking intent, experience and an ability to deliver under pressure.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ON SUNDAY?
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