Tiyani Mabunda’s prediction on Sundowns’ CAF Champions League sojourn
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda has predicted how far the Tshwane giants will go in their push for CAF Champions League glory.
Sundowns have recently been hit by a poor run of form as they are winless in their last four games in all competitions.
The Chloorkop-based side was knocked out of the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals by Stellenbosch last weekend at Athlone Stadium.
With Sundowns crowned DStv Premiership champions for the sixth time in a row, they have seemingly put their foot off the pedal.
In the current campaign, the Tshwane giants have won 19 games in the league, drawing five and losing only two times after 26 matches played.
Having wrapped up the league with eight games to spare, Sundowns will have their full focus on the Champions League.
In the past three seasons, Sundowns’ Champions League campaign ended in the quarter-final stage.
During the 2019/20 and 2021/22 seasons, they were knocked out at this phase by Al Ahly.
Last season, the Brazilians were stunned in the last eight by Angola side Petro Atletico.
TIYANI MABUNDA TIPS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO GO ALL THE WAY
Mabunda has admitted that the current crop Sundowns players are better than his generation and they can go all the way.
“I’m grateful for the work that Pitso [Mosimane] has done is shaping us into the men that we are today,” Mabunda told Andile Ncube on Metro FM.
“And I have faith that the current Sundowns players are better than us.
“We were hardworking, but they are more tactical; I pick them to go all the way in the Champions League,” he added.
The Brazilians will face Algerian side CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals at the Stade Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is at 21:00.
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