Mamelodi Sundowns will look to finish the CAF Champions League group stages on the summit of the table when they host DR Congo side, TP Mazembe on Saturday afternoon.
Masandawana, who have already qualified for the quarterfinals after defeating FC Nouadhibou at the weekend, will look to bounce back from the defeat against TP Mazembe in the first leg Champions League fixture. Speaking to the members of the media, Coach Rulani highlighted how demanding their final group match against the Congolese side will be.
“We expect a very difficult match against five times Champions League champions. Our last encounter in Congo was not good from a result perspective but I think if we play the way we did in Congo, we should be alright. We created a lot of chances, with 16 shots at goal and nine on target, we probably had the highest xG in the group stages but we still lost the game. I think if we play the same with a lot of intensity, we should be alright for a good result on the weekend,” he stated.
Bafana Ba Style, who last lifted the Champions League silverware in 2016 are consistently working hard to register their second star. In the previous season, they bowed out in the semi-final against Wydad Casablanca who won the 2-2 draw on the away goals rule. When asked what it will take for his men to win the Champions League again,
the Downs head coach stated that his side will need to continue working hard and their hard work will be rewarded.
“It’s going to take a lot of consistency, a lot of hard work and a lot of luck. In these kind of competitions that are high level, there’s not much of a difference between the teams participating, so you need a little bit of luck. You need to be brave and show courage. As daunting as it may seem and sound, it’s something that we believe is possible and within reach but we have to go one stage of the competition at a time and try your level best to perform right. Hopefully one day God smiles upon us and reward us for our hard work and due diligence,” the tactician said.
“Sundowns have proven that they are one of the best team on the continent and eventually we will win the Champions League. What we have to do is make sure our performances are good enough and we are consistent. We will work hard every single day to put ourselves in that position,” he continued.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League return fixture on Saturday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 15H00.
SOURCED FROM THE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WEBSITE.
