Mamelodi Sundowns are one step closer to winning another CAF Champions League, and they have never been closer to putting a second continental star on their jersey.
The Champions League first leg final between Sundowns and Pyramids FC is scheduled for Saturday at the sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Seven days later, they will go to Egypt to play the second leg and final match at Cairo International Stadium.
The current Premier Soccer League champions haven’t advanced to the Champions League final since their inaugural season in 2016.
Importance of getting second star
The closest Sundowns have come since then was two seasons ago, when coach Rulani Mokwena’s team lost in consecutive semi-finals.
Themba Zwane, who was clearly upset after they lost to Esperance, who were led by Miguel Cardoso, their current head coach, stated that he would draw inspiration from the heartache of the previous season.
Zwane told reporters at their training base in Chloorkop on Friday: “I understand how important it is for the club to get the second star, which is why I showed a lot of emotion last season when we got knocked out of the Champions League in the semi-final.
“I think this time is an opportunity to get the last star, and I believe we have a team that is capable of doing it.
“So, maybe one can use all those emotions as a source of motivation to finally get the second star for the club.”
More understanding and brotherhood
Zwane, affectionately known as Mshishi, also made a comparison between the current group and the one he won the Champions League with.
This group, in my opinion, is better. However, it’s more the same because of our understanding and brotherhood. And I think that everyone in this group is a leader.
“Everyone is a leader; we don’t need to wear a captain’s armband to demonstrate it. As you can see, everyone gives directions when we play. As a team, we love each other and understand one another.
“But communication is what I believe works best for us. We communicate a lot in our changing room,” said Zwane.
