Wiliete coach Bianchi confident of upsetting Sundowns in Champions League

Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi says his side will approach their CAF Champions League tie against holders Mamelodi Sundowns believing they have a genuine chance of reaching the group stage.

The Angolan club booked their place in the second preliminary round after beating Seychelles side Foresters FC 5-0 on aggregate.

They now face a much tougher test against Sundowns, with the first leg scheduled for Sunday, 18 October in Angola.

Bianchi acknowledges the quality and experience of the South African champions but insists the tie will be decided on the pitch.

“It may be the strongest team in Africa at the moment, but what I tell my players is that everything is decided on the pitch,” Bianchi told Wiliete SC media.

“Obviously, we recognise their level. They are very strong and very well structured. It is a club that has been in this competition for a long time and has a lot of experience.

“But it is two matches, and I think we have a 50% chance, just like they do, because neither team has played the match yet.”

Wiliete have set reaching the Champions League group stage as their main objective and Bianchi believes their first-round performance has given the team confidence.

“In the first round, I think we came through with flying colours, with a very high mark. Now we are going to face one of the big teams, as we say in football,” he added.

The Angolan side will be aiming to secure a positive result at home before travelling to South Africa for the return leg.

“So, we will try to get a positive result in the first leg here at home, and then go to South Africa with a chance of progressing to the group stage,” Bianchi said.