Fadlu Davids’ bold CAFCL prediction for Mamelodi Sundowns

Raja Casablanca head coach Fadlu Davids believes the stars have aligned for Mamelodi Sundowns to clinch their second CAF Champions League title, suggesting that anything less than trophy glory this season would be a massive disappointment for the Brazilians.

Masandawana secured their spot in the semi-finals after overcoming Mali’s Stade Malien, setting up a high-stakes showdown against Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis.

A Sundowns Path Cleared of Giants

With perennial heavyweights Al Ahly and Pyramids FC suffering shock exits from the competition, Davids notes that the obstacles standing between Sundowns and continental royalty have rarely been this few.

“It was really a huge shock for Pyramids to be out, for Al Ahly to be out,” Davids told the media. “It only opens the door for Sundowns. If you talk about the moment for them to be able to win the Champions League, it’s now.”

Davids drew a parallel between the current campaign and Sundowns’ historic 2016 run under Pitso Mosimane. That year, the Pretoria side famously triumphed after a “back-door” entry into the group stages, eventually lifting their first star.

While the circumstances are different, Davids feels the “feeling” of destiny is similar.

“I remember in 2016… it was a similar type [of journey]. They qualified through the group stages, which were really tough, and they immediately made it through,” he observed.

The Ultimate Test of Experience

While the path is clearer, it is by no means easy. Standing in their way is an Espérance side renowned for their tactical discipline and continental pedigree. However, Davids believes the maturity of the current Sundowns squad—bolstered by years of deep runs in the competition—makes them the favourites.

“Now the coach looks clear. It’s not going to be easy against Espérance, with their calibre and experience. But with the experience of the [Sundowns] players, the age, and the experience of the team, this is the moment.”

The former Maritzburg United mentor concluded with a blunt assessment of the stakes:

“If they don’t win it this time, they would be very disappointed in themselves.”