Mamelodi Sundowns are scrambling to shake off some fitness concerns in their camp before the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR.
The Tshwane giants are in the final of Africa’s premier knockout competition after sealing a 2-0 semi-final aggregate victory over Esperance. After edging the four-time African champions 1-0 away in Rades, the Brazilians posted a similar result at home to cruise into the final.
They now meet AS FAR, who overcame fellow Moroccans RS Berkane 2-1 on aggregate. AS FAR had won the first leg at home 2-0 before losing 1-0 away, but still managed to sail through to the final for the first time in their history.
Just like Pyramids FC, who made their final appearance last season and went on to be crowned continental champions, AS FAR are also keen on clinching the Champions League title on their first attempt in the decider.
That puts Sundowns on high alert to avoid losing to another side new to this stage of the competition after Pyramids FC beat them last season. This will be the fourth time for the Brazilians to play the Champions League final, having been there in 2001, 2016 and last season.
Now in their fourth final, Sundowns are racing against time to have a clean bill of health to widen coach Miguel Cardoso’s selection pool. The first leg of the final is set for May 15 in Tshwane, while the second leg will be played in Rabat, Morocco, nine days later.
WHO ARE THE MAJOR INJURY CONCERNS IN THE MASANDAWANA CAMP?
“Our ward is at least coming down. We have Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho, Peter Shalulile and Mothobi Mvala. But they are all generally doing well,” said Sundowns team doctor Carl Tabane.
“So we should have them very soon. We are hoping that by the time we play the final, all these boys will be available for us.
“But obviously, they are responding well to treatment, so it might be shorter than that. So they should be back very soon.”
But before playing the Champions League final, Sundowns have seven Betway Premiership matches on their schedule. They would be hoping their fitness situation in their camp will not worsen as they look to defend their league crown.
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