By Michael Madyira
The CAF Champions League quarter-finals have been problematic for Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years and the club is determined to bury what looks like a curse at this stage.
The Brazilians host Young Africans from Tanzania in a quarter-final, second-leg tie at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
After 2016, when they clinched their maiden Champions League title, Masandawana’s campaign ended at the last-eight stage on five occasions.
Although they were knocked out at the semi-final hurdle last season, struggling to get past the quarter-finals still haunts the Brazilians.
They now face the challenge of Young Africans, a team against which they drew 0-0 in the first leg in Dar es Salaam last weekend.
It is a precarious assignment for Sundowns, who know that scoring a draw on Friday will knock them out of the competition,
The Tanzanians enjoyed massive support from their fans last weekend and Masandawana coach Rhulani Mokwena is banking on home support to get past Young Africans.
“I can’t complain, it’s not going to help,” Mokwena told the media on Thursday.
“We have to play the games, we have to win the games and the players understand this, the club understands this.
“I would love to see more support when we play these types of games, for sure.”
While the Tshwane giants have struggled to get past the quarter-finals, most of their opponents have been North Africans except for two seasons ago, when they were eliminated by Angolan giants Petro Atletico.
This time around they face their Tanzanian opponents knowing they won’t have to face bogey opponents Wydad Casablanca if they reach the last four.
Wydad failed to get past the group phase and should the Brazilians reach the semi-finals, they will face the winner between Esperanca and Asec Mimosas.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena and his assistant Manqoba Mngqithi at Loftus Versfeld on Thursday.
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
