Allende says Sundowns ready for ‘big game’ against Al Ahli Saudi

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende says the team are rested, prepared and focused on beating Al Ahli Saudi in their FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup meeting at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Sundowns have had a full week to recover and prepare since their 1-1 draw with Chippa United in the Betway Premiership last Saturday.

“We’ve had a long week, so we’ve had time to prepare and it’s coming nice,” Allende told reporters at Chloorkop before the match.

“It will be full tomorrow, so we need to win. We’re playing against big players, it’s going to be a nice game but the most important thing is to win.”

The Chilean midfielder also backed the message delivered by captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who spoke to FIFA.com about Sundowns’ form and their ambitions for the match.

“We’ve done extremely well in the league and we’re in the MTN8 Cup final,” Williams said. “This is the big one to look forward to now. The form that we’ve been in has been good and it will hopefully carry us through the final on Saturday.”

Williams said playing at home could provide Sundowns with an advantage as they seek the first trophy of the season.

“It’s a home game for us and we know our record at home, so hopefully that can help us to get the job done and lift the first trophy for the season,” he added.

However, the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper recognised the quality in an Al Ahli Saudi side he described as a demanding opponent.

“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game, they are back-to-back African champions,” Williams said. “Our work is going to be cut out for us. When you look at their team, there’s so many guys that were at the World Cup. [Merih] Demiral played for Turkiye, [Roger Ibanez] with Brazil and obviously Ivan Toney [for England].”

Allende, 27, agreed with Williams’ assessment and called on Sundowns supporters to give the team their full backing at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“Ronwen is important for us, so what he is saying, we will always go behind him,” Allende said. “Playing with a player of his quality is very exciting for everyone, so we’re ready for tomorrow.”

The former Montevideo City Torque midfielder ended with a direct appeal to the Sundowns support ahead of the fixture.

“It’s going to be a big game tomorrow, so we’re waiting for you, we will do everything on the pitch,” he added.