MAMELODI Sundowns are so close to realising their dream of becoming the second Mzansi club to lift the Caf Champions League trophy that they can almost taste that sweet victory.
It’s been 21 years since Orlando Pirates became African champions in 1995.
But it’s not over yet, despite the fired-up Brazilians going into Sunday’s second leg of the final at the Borg El Arab Stadium 3-0 ahead after their dazzling display in Atteridgeville in the first leg of the final last weekend.
There is a lot at stake here.
They will only know after 90 minutes plus whether they have accomplished their greatest achievement and put Mzansi soccer back on the continent’s football map.
Downs are fighting for South African pride and to make history. Zamalek, who have won this trophy five times, will be fighting for their lives and will throw everything, including the proverbial kitchen sink, at Pitso Mosimane’s men.
Zamalek and especially their hot-headed supporters don’t like to lose at home.
Downs have beaten the White Knights three times in the competition so far and as star midfielder Teko Modise pointed out: “They are a proud side that will not want to lose to us a fourth time in a row. This will be a very tricky and difficult game for us.”
Victory for Downs will guarantee massive spin-offs:
- They will be able to wear a gold star on their jersey as African champions.
- Their players and technical staff can look forward to bonus money of $1,5 million (about R21m) for winning the title. Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula has also promised to reward the players for a job well done.
- Pride is at stake, according to Modise.
- Mosimane will then be rightly recognised as the best coach Mzansi has produced.
On the downside, Downs know that they have not won anything yet.
They also face the wrath of the volatile Zamalek fans, who sent death threats to all the players this week in one of the worst acts of gamesmanship ever witnessed in the so-called beautiful game.
In the run-up to the finals, Zamalek lost 5-2 to Wydad Casablanca and beat the Moroccan champs 4-0 at home in the semifinals.
Said Modise: “That result shows how funny the game of football can be. We can’t sit back on our 3-0 lead. It’s crucial we score on Sunday.”
The Brazilians’ billionaire president, Patrice Motsepe, who spend a fortune building up the club to be the best in Africa, will be gutted should Downs fall at the final hurdle after defying the odds.
- Meanwhile, Sundowns have sent a group 160 supporters to travel with the team to Alexandria and rally behind their club.