As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for the first-leg of the CAF Champions League final against Egyptian side Pyramids FC at Loftus Stadium, veteran midfielder Themba Zwane has explained why he believes the current squad surpasses the celebrated 2016 African champions.
Zwane, alongside goalkeeper Denis Onyango, are the only remaining members from the triumphant 2016 campaign. While Thapelo Morena joined Sundowns towards the end of the group stages in 2016, he did not feature in any matches.
The Bafana Bafana international, who will captain Masandawana in Saturday’s first-leg, spoke to journalists ahead of the highly anticipated clash. The return fixture is scheduled for next Sunday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
“I think with this group, I can say it is better. But it is more of the same because of the brotherhood that we have and the understanding,” Zwane said, as the current squad aims to replicate the monumental achievement of their predecessors.
Pitso Mosimane’s 2016 Sundowns squad had the likes of Teko Modise, Thabo Nthethe, Bangaly Soumahoro, Hlompho Kekana, Percy Tau, Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro.
WHAT QUALITY MAKES THE CURRENT SUNDOWNS BETTER THAN THE 2016 CLASS
The biggest quality he sees is that the current team is full of leaders. “I feel like everyone is a leader in this group. You don’t have to put on an armband to be a leader, but you can see that everyone can lead.
“You see, when we play, everyone gives instructions because we understand each other, along with the love that we give as a team.
“I think what helps is the communication because we communicate a lot as players and understand each other. But mostly like I said, it’s the love we have for each other,” explained Zwane.
Sundowns will be aiming for a commanding performance in the first leg before their trip to Cairo.
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