Mamelodi Sundowns brace for crucial CAF Champions League quarter-final clash against Stade Malien

Mamelodi Sundowns have been on an upward trajectory, enjoying an impressive run in their title charge. However, the magnitude of their CAF Champions League knockout campaign means their true character is only now set to be tested.

Sundowns will face Stade Malien in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Loftus Versfeld in Hatfield on Friday (8pm kick-off). A win would be crucial in helping Sundowns move a step closer to the semi-finals ahead of the return leg in Mali next Friday.

The Brazilians are navigating a make-or-break continental campaign. They reached the semi-finals two seasons ago and improved on that with a runner-up finish last season, losing to Pyramids FC over two legs.

After a positive run in recent weeks – regaining confidence and winning seven matches convincingly in the Betway Premiership – Sundowns are widely tipped to go all the way and end their 10-year drought in the competition.

However, coach Miguel Cardoso is not getting carried away. He is wary of the threat Malien will pose, particularly away from home, and has called for greater defensive discipline from his side, led by Bafana Bafana captain and No.1 Ronwen Williams.

“We are going to play a team that’s very competitive,” Cardoso said after the 2–0 league win over Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg on Tuesday night.

“In away matches, they can be very narrow in defence, keeping stability in their defensive line.

“For a team like us that scores goals, it’s important to keep clean sheets because they guarantee points. But we must not focus only on that – we must ensure that when we attack, we remain balanced.”

While Cardoso welcomed the victory over Orbit, which temporarily moved Sundowns to the top of the standings with a three-point lead over Orlando Pirates, he was less pleased with the scheduling.

The Portuguese coach believes the Premier Soccer League could do more to give the team adequate preparation time for continental fixtures, as Sundowns are representing not only themselves but also the country in Africa.

Nevertheless, Cardoso insists his squad is focused on taking things one game at a time.

“Football is day by day, so we are focused on daily things,” he said.

“As soon as we finished our last home game, I started a countdown to the match against Orbit. I even said in the dressing room, ‘minus five minutes to Orbit,’ so that we could focus on the immediate task.

“Today we opened a new page so that we can arrive on Friday ready. The team is showing the values we need in the dressing room. They are committed, and many players are in good form, which gives us confidence.”

Sundowns' confidence has also been boosted by the arrival of Monnapule Saleng and the return of Iqraam Rayners, who have quickly settled into the squad.

After a lengthy lay-off, Rayners is back in form and recently scored his 10th league goal of the season against Mswenko Boyz, drawing level with top scorer Junior Dion in the scoring charts.

Cardoso admitted that while Rayners’ return is encouraging, it also creates a selection dilemma.

“That makes me happy, but at the same time it makes me worried,” Cardoso said. “We have a Peter (Shalulile) who was important in the past and is now not in the group.

“We also have Lebo (Mothiba), who did well when he was called upon and helped the team.

“This is the quality of Sundowns. In some positions we have many players who perform and go through different moments during the season. I’m happy to see him doing well and I hope he makes the final Bafana Bafana squad for the two friendlies this month.”

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch