Mamelodi Sundowns are on the brink of making history as the first South African club to win two CAF Champions League titles. Previously, only two South African teams have lifted the trophy: Orlando Pirates in 1995 and Sundowns themselves in 2016. Sundowns will take a 1-0 lead into the return leg against Moroccan side Raja CA in Rabat on Sunday, following their win at home last Sunday.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Themba Zwane Urges Team to Make History
Themba Zwane, a key player for Sundowns, has experienced the thrill of winning the African championship before. He was part of the team that triumphed in 2016. Zwane knows the significance of the competition and is eager to remind his teammates of the excitement that comes with winning it. “I will try to remind them how big it is and the excitement we are going to get in the country,” he said. “We have to push ourselves and try to make history.” Zwane believes that this group of players will be remembered for years to come and wants to emphasize the importance of the upcoming game.
Unlike their 2016 final against Zamalek, where they had a comfortable three-goal lead going into the return leg, Sundowns’ current advantage is slender. This means they will need to deliver a strong performance away from home to secure the win.
Sundowns Remain Upbeat Despite Travel Issues
The team’s preparation for the return leg was not without its challenges. Sundowns’ departure to Morocco was delayed due to permit issues with their planned charter flight, forcing them to leave a day later than expected. However, Zwane insists that the team’s mood remains positive. “The travel was long, but I think the mood is super okay,” he said. “Everyone is so excited.” The team has shown a strong sense of camaraderie, with players supporting each other and having fun on the flight to Morocco.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Form Ahead of the Return Leg
Domestically, Sundowns have just completed another dominant season in the Betway Premiership, securing the league title with 68 points ahead of Orlando Pirates. However, they did show some vulnerability in their final league matches, suffering a late 3-2 defeat away to TS Galaxy. Despite this, Sundowns remain a team built around attacking intent, experience, and the ability to deliver under pressure.
