Mamelodi Sundowns line-up for the CAF Champions League Final first-leg at Loftus Versfeld.
Image: BackpagePix
State President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the well-wishes for Mamelodi Sundowns to return to South Africa with the coveted CAF Champions League trophy.
Sundowns hold a 1–0 advantage as they head into the CAF Champions League final second leg against Morocco’s AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday evening.
No South African team has won the continent’s premier football trophy since Sundowns last achieved glory under the legendary Pitso Mosimane exactly a decade ago.
The Brazilians came close last season but ultimately fell short at the final hurdle when they were defeated 3–2 on aggregate by Egyptian club Pyramids.
Miguel Cardoso’s charges, however, seem to have learnt their lessons from last year’s disappointment, delivering a composed performance at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last week to keep an invaluable clean sheet.
Ramaphosa believes that Sundowns have the chance to unite the nation on Sunday evening (kick-off 9pm).
“The nation’s best wishes go out to Mamelodi Sundowns for their CAF Champions League final against Morocco’s AS FAR in Rabat,” Ramaphosa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“On the eve of Africa Day, this highlight on our continent’s soccer calendar should serve as a celebration of the best our continent has to offer in this sport.
“Sport is one of many sectors that unite us as Africans. Go, Sundowns, and Happy Africa Day!”
Sundowns’ boss Cardoso believes the final is a showpiece for the African continent and hopes the players and fans deliver a performance fitting of the occasion.
“We work our whole careers to play matches like this. What is difficult is playing games with no atmosphere, no supporters, and no emotion around them,” the Portuguese tactician said.
“At the same time, it is important that football is represented in the right spirit. Africa will again show itself to the world, and we must represent the game and the continent in the best possible way.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso chats to star striker Brayan Leon ahead of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR in Rabat, Morocco.
Image: BackpagePix
“I saw a good spirit between the players in the first match and hope that remains throughout the game. We should not give people any reason to speak about anything other than praise for the organisation, the sporting spirit, and the quality of the football.
“We will have families in the stadium, and everybody should leave having experienced a beautiful football occasion, like we have seen during major tournaments hosted in Morocco.
“With major competitions coming in the future, this is also an opportunity to show the standards African football can deliver.
“Not every defeat is a loss in life, and not every victory defines everything. But winning a trophy like this can define a career and a club, and we want it deeply. That ambition has driven us since last season when we fell short, and now we have another chance.”