Wayne Arendse: 4 reasons why Sundowns are Champions League favorites
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse has revealed four reasons why Downs are CAF Champions League favourites.
The only time the Tshwane giants were crowned African champions was back in 2016 when Pitso Mosimane was in charge. Arendse was part of Mosimane’s side that won the CAF Champions League.
The reigning DStv Premiership champions have been one of the top teams in the continent in recent times. They have been constantly qualifying for the knockout stages.
Last season, they were one of the favourites to clinch the Champions League. However, they suffered a heartbreak after being eliminated in the semi-finals by Moroccan giants Wydad AC on goal difference.
This campaign, they have made it to the quarter-finals of the competition. They will face-off against Tanzanian giants Young Africans for a spot in the semis.
1. ARENDSE SAYS SUNDOWNS ARE DOMINANT
Masandawana have been in great form this season. They have only lost two matches in open play in all competitions. This was against Wydad AC and TP Mazembe in the African Football League and Champions League respectively.
All-in-all, Sundowns have registered 27 wins, 10 draws and two defeats in all competitions.
“I know I’m probably speaking beforehand, but I think this is the year for Sundowns because they just look unstoppable, the second star is coming,” Arendse told FARPost
2. SUNDOWNS ARE GOOD ON THE BALL
Arendse likes the fact that the Brazilians are good on the ball and they know how to find the back of the net. In this campaign, they have scored 63 goals.
“You see what they are doing, they dominate. And they know what to do with the ball and put it in the back of the net. That’s it, just put the ball in the back of the net.”
3. SUNDOWNS MADE TOP SIGNINGS
The reigning DStv Premiership champions made top signings this season. Firstly, they brought in Lesiba Nku, Junior Mendieta, Lucas Rebeiro, Bathusi Aubaas and Thapelo Maseko. In the January transfer window, they brought in Thembinkosi Lorch, Tashreeq Matthews, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Matias Esquivel.
“The way they went with the signings is top. It shows the depth is there and the quality is there. They don’t just sign for the sake of signing.”
4. STIFF COMPETITION AT SUNDOWNS
There’s stiff competition at Sundowns, and all players are giving their utmost best at training and matches.
“A player knows that if he has an off day, the guy on the bench is performing in the next game. The signings are at a level where no one can relax.
“You got to stay on top of your level and make sure you’re 120 per cent. If you give 90 or 80 per cent it won’t be good enough and you’ll lose your place.”
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