Menzi Magubane
Mamelodi Sundowns have already settled down in enemy territory.
They touched down in Egypt on Wednesday night.
The Al Salam Stadium will host the encounter between the CAF Champions League title holders Al Ahly and Sundowns in this season’s quarter-final on Saturday at 9pm.
The two African giants have been drawn to face each other in the quarter-final for the third consecutive time, with the teams having one victory each.
Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena said arriving at a less busy and noisy Cario is good for the team.
“The players’ mental state is good, they look energised and focused,” he said.
“We know what we are here for and the responsibility it carries with it. This is a national duty. We want to show that we are a team that is tactically well prepared.”
While Masandawana had the whole week off from domestic duties, Al Ahly had a big game on Monday night.
Ahly played an intense Cario derby against Zamalek. Pitso Mosimane gave his players Wednesday off to recuperate ahead of the match against his former team.
Mokwena said Ahly is a good side.
“They are well-coached. You can see that there’s a lot of investment from the technical team. We know Pitso and the amount of work he puts in behind the scenes. It shows in their game,” Mokwena said.
The return leg will be held at Loftus Stadium in Tshwane next Saturday.
Picture source:@soccerladuma
