CAF Champions League: I don’t know much about Mamelodi Sundowns – Stade Malien coach Mauril Njoya

Stade Malien head coach Mauril Njoya admits his knowledge of Mamelodi Sundowns is limited to media reports ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal clash.

The two teams will meet in the first leg on Friday, 13 March, in Pretoria, with the return leg scheduled for Sunday, 22 March, in Mali.

Speaking to Renouveau TV, Njoya said: “Yes, well, perhaps through the media. Yes, through the media and other search engines. Otherwise, it is a very big team, a team with very experienced players.

“But I always say this: you must be modest, but I also say that they will find someone to challenge them.”

He emphasized his squad’s mindset ahead of the tie: “I think we must even avoid thinking about fear.

“We have this conquering spirit and this fighting mentality when we step onto the pitch, no matter who the opponent is.”

This marks Stade Malien’s first appearance in a continental quarterfinal since the 1970s, while Sundowns were runners-up in last season’s competition.