Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to enjoy a cruise past Remo Stars in the CAF Champions League at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 15:30 this afternoon.
Kabo Yellow already done half the work after humbling the Nigerian Professional Football League titleholders 5-1 in the first leg of their preliminary qualifier last weekend.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS REMO STARS
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side were clinical in West Africa last weekend, putting Remo Stars to the sword and sending a message to their continental rivals such as Al Ahly, Pyramids FC and Wydad Casablanca.
STARTING LINEUP TO FACE REMO STARS
Denis Onyango, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Keanu Cupido, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile, Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales.
Substitutes: Reyaad Pieterse, Jayden Adams, Mosa Lebusa, Bathusi Aubaas, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Miguel Reisinho, Divine Lunga, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Lebogang Mothiba
AMBITIONS FOR THIS SEASON
Sundowns have their sights on the trophy this season after losing to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in last year’s final, the closest they came since winning the tournament in 2016.
Meanwhile, in the local league, the start has been solid but slightly uneven. Masandawana sit at the top of the Betway Premiership table despite three draws and one loss in 10 games, which is below their lofty standards. In cup competitions, they bowed out early, falling to Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout first round and to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semifinals.
Still, their attack remains intimidating to any team: 17 goals in 10 league games while conceding only five.
SUNDOWNS’ RECORD SINCE WINNING THE TOURNAMENT IN 2016
- 2024/25: Lost in the final to Pyramids FC
- 2023/24: Lost in the semifinals to Esperance (then coached by Cardoso)
- 2022/23: Lost in the semifinals to Wydad Casablanca
- 2021/22: Lost in the quarterfinals to Petro de Luanda
- 2020/21: Lost in the quarterfinals to Al Ahly
- 2019/20: Lost in the quarterfinals to Al Ahly
- 2018/19: Lost in the semifinals to Wydad
- 2017/18: Group stages exit
- 2016/17: Lost in the quarterfinals to Wydad
- 2015/16: Champions after beating Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate.