Mamelodi Sundowns determined to end CAF Champions League drought

Mamelodi Sundowns are aware of their shortcomings in continental football over the last nine years, which is why they want to maintain their momentum and build their character.

Sundowns last ruled the continent in 2016 when they won their maiden CAF Champions League crown under coach Pitso Mosimane. They came close to winning the title last season but lost to Pyramids at the final hurdle.

Enter the current campaign. All eyes are on coach Miguel Cardoso to finally lead his troops to the promised land as that would be one of the few reasons strong enough to retain him for another season.

After receiving a bye in the first round of the preliminary qualifiers, Sundowns showed their determination to reach the group stage by hammering Nigeria’s Remo Stars 5-1 in the first leg of the second-round qualifiers.

That victory away from home has all but seen the Brazilians place one foot in the group stage for a record 10th consecutive time. Defender Grant Kekana, speaking during the pre-match press conference in Chloorkop on Thursday, emphasised that the tie is not yet over.

“We can’t get ahead of ourselves; we haven't qualified for the group stage yet,” said Kekana ahead of Sunday’s clash in Tshwane (3:30pm kick-off). “The coach has emphasised that whenever we come off a good victory, we tend to drop the ball in the next match.

“It’s just about understanding what we did well away from home and knowing that we still need to finish the job. It’s only half-time; there’s still another game to be played. We need to stick to our guns and do even better than we did against Remo Stars.”

Kekana is right. Sundowns can’t afford to take anything for granted on the continent if they are to end their 10-year drought. That’s why they need to be at their best with every passing game, including against Remo Stars.

“The Champions League has been a bit of an Achilles heel for us,” Kekana continued. “Usually, we do well up to a certain stage, but when it’s time to go all the way, we fall short.

“I don’t think we are discouraged; it’s about building more character within the group and knowing that we are capable of reaching that stage. Now, it’s about going all the way. I think the hunger and desire are still there.

“As a team, it’s the trophy we want the most, especially considering how well we’ve done in the league. The Champions League is what’s missing from this group, so we’ll analyse the mistakes of our past shortfalls and aim to improve this season.”

Sundowns need to maintain their momentum not only in Africa but across all competitions. They didn’t have the best start in domestic football, crashing out of the Carling Knockout - to Marumo Gallants  - in the first round. Hence, they want to present a consistent front across all competitions.

“I think as Mamelodi Sundowns, we didn’t have the best start to the season because we’ve set such high standards for ourselves,” Kekana admitted. “But I think with the new players coming in, they know what’s expected of them, and of us as a team.

“Remo are a good side. They are very aggressive and were man-marking us throughout the game.

"They made things quite difficult. But we had the right attitude and mentality. We played for one another. In the end, our quality showed, and that’s how we were able to get a positive result,” Kekana concluded.