Motsepe demands CAF Champions League title from Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has given his team a directive to win the CAF Champions League to head to the FIFA Club World Cup as African Champions.

Motsepe’s demands mean that defeat is no option as Sundowns meet Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final at 30 June Stadium in Cairo at 7pm on Sunday.

The Brazilians go to the Egyptian capital Cairo, with a 1-1 aggregate score after Pyramids netted a late equaliser in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

While speaking at an event on Tuesday in Melrose, where Sundowns announced their partnership with Carling Black Label, Motsepe said: “We want to go to the FIFA Club World Cup as African champions.”

The beer brand will be sponsoring the Tshwane giants’ journey to the USA for the tournament, which starts on Tuesday, June 17, against Korean side Ulsan Hyundai in a Group F tie. Sundowns will also take on Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense and German giants Borussia Dortmund in their group.

Sundowns are playing in their first final in eight years, having won the African title back in 2016 under SA’s renowned coach Pitso Mosimane.

“We have a big chance. Being African champions again is something we’ve longed for,” added Motspe. “We are one step away from achieving it. If we were to rewind to the start of the season and you asked if we would love to be in this position, one game away from the CAF Champions League title, we would take it. It’s what we plan for every season.

“The energy in the group is great, and that’s good considering the coach [Miguel Cardoso] didn’t have a preseason with us.

“He didn’t get to pick the players he wants, or instil his methods. But to now be in the final with the players he found there is testament to what he’s achieved.”