Sundowns ready to challenge continent’s big names

Mamelodi Sundowns soccer coach Pitso Mosimane said they were ready to face the big teams on the continent after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League at the weekend.

The Brazilians qualified for the quarterfinal with two games to spare after a hard fought 2-1 win over USM Alger of Algeria, through goals by Thapelo Morena and Sibusiso Vilakazi.  

This is the fourth time in five years that Sundowns have qualified for the knockout stages.

They have stretched their unbeaten record at home to 17 matches since 2017.

Mosimane said after the experience at this level of tough continental football, they were ready for any club.

“There is Esperance‚ Al Ahly‚ Zamalek‚ TP Mazembe‚ Raja Casablanca and Etoile du Sahel — qualification is good but we are still going to sweat‚”  Mosimane said.

“You will have to face any of those teams if you want to progress to the last four and you can’t hide.

“Those teams are strong‚ but we have experience.

“If you want to win the Champions League‚ you have to go through the likes of Al Ahly‚ Esperance‚ Mazembe‚ Raja and Zamalek but we will see.”