Since winning their maiden Caf Champions League in 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns have underwhelmed in the continental competition. This season they will be out to show that they are not just domestic bullies.
“Sundowns shouldn’t be judged on the Premier Soccer League, to be fair. They should be judged on the Champions League… They should be in the semifinal or final every year. That’s how you should judge them, because the gap is so much bigger than everybody in South Africa.”
Since winning the Champions League under the guidance of the legendary Pitso Mosimane in 2016, Sundowns have only managed to reach the semifinal stage once — in the 2018/2019 season. Nkanyiso Zungu of Richards Bay kicks a free kick while Mamelodi Sundowns players jump to defend it during the Nedbank Cup Last 32 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 7 February, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa.
In 2023, the team is in Group B, alongside record African champions Al Ahly of Egypt, as well as Sudanese side Al Hilal and Cameroon’s Coton Sport.“Firstly, we have to recognise that there are a lot of difficult teams that have made it into the group stages of the Champions League and over the years it has become a tough competition for all teams.
First off though for the 36-year-old coach and his super team is a clash with Sudan’s Al Hilal on Saturday, 11 February at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane. Kick-off is at 3pm. When Sundowns and Hilal faced off in the group phase last season, the former won both home and away ties; 1-0 in South Africa and 4-2 in Omdurman. They will hope for similar returns in 2023.
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