Matthew Booth identifies Sundowns’ advantages in Champions League
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth has identified his former side’s advantages in the CAF Champions League this campaign.
Winning the Champions League crown has been Sundowns’ main mandate in the past seasons. However, they’ve been failing to replicate their 2016 performances when they were crown champions under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane.
Last season the Tshwane giants suffered a heartbreak as they came a step closer to going to the final but were eliminated in the semi-finals by Wydad AC.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ ADVANTAGE IN CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The former Bafana Bafana international believes Bafana Ba Style has quality players and coaches who are experienced enough to conquer Africa.
“For me, obviously the ambition is to win the Champions League again. Their [Sundowns] target will be to get to the final and win it,” Booth told FARPost.
“Look at the resources they have; the money they spent on players over the last two seasons. Rulani Mokwena, I think his ambition is to win it himself, that’s what they should probably do.
“I feel they can [go all the way again], they got a lot of experience, they’ve remained consistent, especially in their coaching staff.
HOW MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SHOULD APPROACH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Booth however warned Masandawana not to take their Champions League matches lightly as this is a cup competition, and anything can happen.
“It’s cup football, it’s about on the day, you can say yes they should win it, but really anything can happen on the day. What’s more important is they have had a good start in the league [DStv Premiership].
“They will want to get a big lead as possible before Christmas so that when they get to the serious part of the Champions League at least they will have some sort of breathing room with regards to PSL,” he added.
Sundowns’ first assignment this season will be an away match against Bumamuru FC of Burundi in the second preliminary round, first leg.
The two teams lock horns on Friday at Azam Complex Stadium. Kickoff is at 15:00.
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