Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas has outlined what the current squad needs to do to be counted among the finest generations in the club’s history to lift the CAF Champions League title.
The Brazilians have reached the Champions League final for the second successive season. They will face Moroccan side AS FAR in two legs, starting at home on May 15, before switching battlegrounds to Rabat for a May 24 clash.
Miguel Cardoso’s troops will be bidding to atone for last season’s disappointment when they lost to Pyramids FC to settle for a runners-up spot. It is also coach Cardoso’s third consecutive Champions League final.
He first came close to becoming an African champion with Esperance but lost the final to Al Ahly during the 2023/24 season. That was followed by last season, when he guided Masandawana to a bridesmaid finish.
Now in his third straight final, the Portuguese coach would not want to miss out this time around. The Brazilians are fighting to emulate the Class of 2016, which clinched Sundowns’ maiden Champions League crown under Pitso Mosimane, and Aubass spells out what they need to do.
AUBAAS’ RALLYING CALL TO SUNDOWNS PLAYERS
“I think, obviously, I will be happy [to win the Champions League]. For us to get there, we have to be humble, and then we have to work hard, and of course, we have to respect the opponent outside and on the pitch,” Aubaas told journalists.
“Obviously, we have to bring monster mentality and dog mentality.”
Madandawana’s squad depth will also be put to the test in the upcoming weeks. They have a tight fixture schedule of six Betway Premiership matches to be played within 18 days before plunging into the Champions League final.
“I think each and every one in the team is always read,” added Aubaas.
‘When called to be in the squad, when the coach gives an opportunity, obviously we have to grab it with both hands because we know we have a lot of quality players.”
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