Sundowns youngsters face chance to step up after Wiliete draw

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Wiliete SC in Angola as injuries and an exhausting seven-front campaign create opportunities for the South African club’s younger players.

The Caf Champions League holders were unable to break down Wiliete in Sunday’s second preliminary-round first leg at Estadio Nacional Tundavala in Lubango, 140km into southern Angola. The return leg is at Loftus Versfeld on Friday at 8pm, with Sundowns still confident of reaching the group phase.

Sundowns had the better chances in the opening half but could not take them. Wiliete improved after the interval, using long balls and direct passing to release forwards Gilberto, Mabululu and Julinho, with veteran midfielder Karanga regularly supplying them.

Coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged that Wiliete’s approach made it difficult for his side to impose its usual possession-based game.

“It is really important we understand the level of the opponent we are speaking about,” Cardoso said. “It’s a team at the level of Petro de Luanda, and we know Angolan football [clubs] are difficult to play away.”

Wiliete have risen rapidly since Angolan businessman and sports executive Wilson Fernando Faria, owner of Wiliete Credito and private education academies, became involved. After entering the Girabola, the club finished sixth, fourth and second twice across the past four seasons. They are unbeaten this campaign and lead the league by two points from Petro de Luanda.

Cardoso said Sundowns had wanted a first-leg advantage but had to adapt when Wiliete repeatedly played behind their defence. He was pleased that they kept a clean sheet against a dangerous attack, while admitting they needed greater control and aggression in the penalty area.

“The team handled the game the way it had to be in terms of defensive actions,” he said. “This team has quality players in the front, it can be aggressive at any moment.”

The goalless draw came as Sundowns manage a growing injury list during a season in which they are competing on seven fronts. They are seeking to regain the Betway Premiership title after Orlando Pirates ended their eight-year run, have won the MTN8, face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout in two weekends and will contest the Nedbank Cup.

Internationally, they won the African-Asian-Pacific Cup by beating Al-Ahli Saudi last month in a match that formed part of Fifa’s Intercontinental Cup. They will play in the Caf Super Cup next month and are attempting to defend their Champions League title.

Sundowns had eight players with Bafana at the World Cup in the off-season. Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Keanu Cupido and Aubrey Modiba are injured, while captain Ronwen Williams missed Sunday’s match after suffering a training-ground knock.

Teboho Mokoena, recently returned from an injury sustained on Bafana duty, went off in the 40th minute with a problem involving the same ligament. Cardoso said the club missed the experience of Williams and Mokoena, but hoped neither injury was serious.

In their absence, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Malibongwe Khoza, Fawaaz Basadien and goalkeeper Ricardo Goss impressed. Sundowns’ young players now have the chance to establish themselves as successors to the experienced players who have delivered major trophies for the club and helped revive Bafana Bafana.