Mamelodi Sundowns warned Wiliete Sport pose a serious threat in Angola

Mamelodi Sundowns have been warned not to underestimate Wiliete Sport before the defending champions begin their CAF Champions League qualifying campaign against the Angolan club.

Petro de Luanda goalkeeper Hugo Marques says Wiliete have assembled a strong squad and could make life difficult for Sundowns in the first leg of their second-round tie in Angola.

Wiliete reached this stage after recording a 5-0 aggregate victory over Seychelles side Foresters Mont Fleuri in the previous round. It is only the second time in the club’s history that they have qualified for the CAF Champions League.

The Benguela-based team earned their place in the competition after finishing runners-up in the Girabola, Angola’s top-flight championship, for a second consecutive season.

Marques, who helped Petro win the league last season, has provided an assessment of their domestic rivals. He highlighted several of Wiliete’s key players, including former Orlando Pirates forward Gilberto and Angolan international striker Mabululu.

“It’s a new club, I think only eight years, they won the cup (Toca de Angola) last year. They are sponsored by a bank from Benguela and they have signed good players. Gilberto is there from Orlando Pirates,” Marques told KickOff.

“Mabululu, the striker from the (Angolan) national team, and other guys play very well. Here in Angola, I think it’s going to be difficult for Sundowns, but in South Africa, I don’t think they have the power to fight Sundowns.

“But they have a good team.”

Marques also praised Wiliete’s defence, singling out their right-back and central defenders.

“The right-back is very good; he is the brother of a centre-back who plays for FAR Rabat and played in the final against Sundowns. The centre-backs are also good – a Brazilian and an Angolan. The other players are also good. They lost the Super Cup against us, but they are playing very well,” added the former Cape Town City goalkeeper.

Wiliete and Petro met in the Angolan Super Cup, with Petro securing victory. However, Marques believes Wiliete’s performances show they remain a competitive side despite that defeat.

Petro began their own CAF Champions League campaign with a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Mozambican club UD Songo in the first preliminary round.

They will face Zimbabwean side Scottland FC in the next round, while Sundowns’ first-leg meeting with Wiliete will also take place away from home.

The first legs of the second preliminary round are scheduled for 17 October, when Sundowns will travel to Angola for their opening match against Wiliete.