CAFCL: Sundowns have been in this situation before – Vilakazi

Photo Credit: Mamelodi Sundowns.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusizo Vilakazi has reminded the South African giants that they have been in this situation before, going into the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC on June 1.

The Betway Premiership champions will travel to Cairo for the second leg of the Champions League final feeling that they wasted home ground advantage after drawing 1-1 against the Egyptian Premier League side.

However, Vikalazi has insisted that both teams will start the second leg on an equal footing, further urging the Pretoria-based side to use the home setback as a source of motivation.

“The most important thing is to absorb this [feeling of a home draw]. As much as it is hurting, it is a matter of using this feeling. You have conceded at home [but] you have been in this situation so many times and done this so many times,” the former midfielder told Sundowns’ media.

The ex-Bafana Bafana star has called for Miguel Cardoso and his men to bring their A-game to Cairo.

“I do not doubt their level of concentration and hunger. It is just a matter of doing it one more time, one more heart, one more pass, one more aggression, and one more feeling with the yellow nation because you will be carrying a lot of yellow hearts in Cairo,” Vilakazi explained.

In the first leg of the final, Sundowns thought they had a win in the bag at Loftus Stadium when Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored in the 54th minute. However, Pyramids’ Walid Kart scored an equaliser four minutes into added time.

Therefore, Cardoso’s need a win at all costs in the second leg to lift the trophy for the second time, while Pyramids can get over the line with a draw.