Wayne Arendse advises Mamelodi Sundowns to stick to their style to beat AS FAR in CAF final

Wayne Arendse has advised Mamelodi Sundowns to stick to their usual approach against AS FAR in Rabat, saying that is the only way they can win over hearts in foreign territory and improve their chances of victory.

Sundowns will visit AS FAR at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night (8pm kick-off). They already hold the advantage in the tie after securing a slender 1-0 victory in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld last Sunday.

Given that, anything other than a defeat in Rabat will crown Sundowns champions of Africa, ending the club’s 10-year drought, with their last triumph coming under Pitso Mosimane in 2016.

Sundowns cannot afford to leave anything to chance in Morocco, as the hosts’ supporters – including fans of arch-rivals Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca –  are expected to rally behind AS FAR, creating a hostile atmosphere for the Brazilians and a boost for the home side.

Former defender Arendse, who was part of the 2016 title-winning team that beat Zamalek SC 3-1 on aggregate after a 3-0 home win and a 1-0 defeat in Cairo, explained what Sundowns need to do to reign supreme.

“In North Africa, I think they respect Sundowns and quality football. They appreciate that,” Arendse told Independent Media. “If Sundowns continue to play the way they normally do – with flair, quick movement and interplay – I am sure they can win a few supporters over.”

Miguel Cardoso is eager to be third-time lucky and win his first continental crown after falling short in his previous attempts with Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Sundowns.

Given Sundowns’ familiarity with North African conditions, Arendse believes the team must adopt a strong mentality to withstand whatever comes their way.

“They need to focus on their business and not worry about the noise outside. The Moroccan crowd can be very hostile,” Arendse said. “Their hostility can be seen through their flares and fireworks.

“There’ll be a massive crowd. A lot of players in the squad are already used to the atmosphere … you’ll see supporters knocking on their bus.”

The mind games between the two teams appear to have started long before kick-off. It was reported that Sundowns players and coaching staff were left stranded at O. R. Tambo International Airport and had to return home on Tuesday after their chartered flight to Rabat was reportedly not granted permission to land in Morocco.

Sundowns reportedly departed South African shores on Wednesday. However, they still lost a day in their preparations and recovery plans.

Arendse was also fascinated by the fact that left-back Aubrey Modiba scored in the first leg, replicating the feat achieved by 2016 teammate and left-back Tebogo Langerman. He believes Sundowns must continue playing to their strengths.

“The two left-backs managed to score. So, yeah, it’s going to be a very interesting one because I believe that whenever Sundowns play, they always have a goal in them,” Arendse said. “So, they must play to score. An extra goal will give them an extra cushion.

“I think they must stick to the positives because they know AS FAR have to come at them and score. If things stay the same, Sundowns will win. In doing that, there are expected to be gaps and spaces.

“Everything is in Sundowns’ hands and in their favour. They have played the first half of the tie, and now it is about finishing the job.”