Mamelodi Sundowns eye redemption as CAF Champions League final beckons

For Mamelodi Sundowns, reaching the final of the CAF Champions League is more than just another milestone – it is an opportunity for redemption for both the club and key individuals within the squad.

Sundowns reached the final after beating Espérance 2-0 on aggregate, following narrow 1-0 wins in Tunis last Sunday and in Pretoria on Saturday night.

By reaching the final, Sundowns are eager to make up for lost ground after falling short at the same stage of the competition last season, extending their trophy drought to 10 years.

Their triumph 10 years ago was memorable, but for Thapelo Morena, it remains bittersweet. The right wing-back joined the club in August 2016 but missed out on the continental campaign due to registration deadlines, denying him a winners’ medal.

That moment – celebrating with teammates while lacking official recognition – has lingered with Morena, who now sees this final as a chance to make things right.

“I think it’s one of the medals that has been haunting – for the team as well –  because it’s been quite a long time since we won the Champions League, yet we’ve been doing very well,” Morena said after the win in Pretoria on Saturday.

“This time we’ve been doing well. We know what we’ve been working towards, and we can see that from our players.”

Morena and Sundowns are not the only ones seeking redemption this season – coach Miguel Cardoso is too. The Portuguese is hoping it will be third time lucky after reaching the last two finals – with Esperance and Sundowns – only to finish as runner-up.

However, with Sundowns set to face RS Berkane in the two-legged final on May 15 and May 24, Morena knows it won’t be easy, which is why he has emphasised the need to strengthen areas of weakness while consolidating their positives.

“I think the most important thing is to grind the way we’ve been doing,” Morena said. “We know that away games are a bit difficult, but the good thing is that we’ve been getting good results both away and at home.

“We are going to try to minimise conceding, something we’ve actually been doing well in recent weeks.”

“It’s mixed emotions knowing that we are going to have to work very hard,” Morena added. “Getting here was a very good mission. We’ve done our level best to grind on the pitch and give it all to the supporters.”

While keeping clean sheets against Esperance was crucial, the final berth perhaps wouldn’t have been possible without striker Brayan León – the Colombian scored the winning goals in both Tunis and Pretoria, taking his tally to five in the competition.

Having arrived only in January, León’s contribution and adaptation have been impressive, repaying the faith shown in him. Morena revealed the secret behind his strong start.

“I think the team has welcomed him very well,” Morena said. “Seeing his strengths at training has allowed us to play to them. We understand the aggressiveness that he has, and he’s one of the players who is willing to work for the team.”

Sundowns have little time to celebrate their progression as they now turn their focus to domestic football, where they will play catch-up fixtures, starting against Stellenbosch FC at Loftus on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off).

The Brazilians are eager to win their two games in hand to reclaim top spot in the Betway Premiership from Orlando Pirates, who currently lead by two points.

Morena is not worried about the strain of switching from continental to domestic football.

“We are taking each game as it comes; everything has its own step,” Morena said. “That’s what we are going to do as a team.”