Thapelo Morena targets history as Sundowns chase back-to-back CAF Champions League titles

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thapelo Morena says the club are ready to embrace the pressure of defending their CAF Champions League title as they seek to make history with successive triumphs.

The South African champions host Angola’s Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie, with the contest finely balanced after a goalless draw in the first leg on Sunday.

Wiliete will believe they have a chance of pulling off a major upset, knowing that a scoring draw or a victory would secure their place in the group stage.

Sundowns, meanwhile, must win at home to avoid an early exit from a competition they won last season.

Morena and his teammates are determined to keep their hopes of retaining the continental crown alive, with the second leg presenting an important test of their credentials as defending champions.

Speaking at the club’s headquarters in Chloorkop this week, Morena said Sundowns were prepared for the responsibility that comes with being one of Africa’s leading sides.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic player pointed to the club’s domestic success as evidence that they have the experience needed to handle the expectations surrounding them.

“As a team, it is something we take responsibility for. We can and we’re willing to do it because we’ve done it at home in the PSL, and now we have the experience of what happens after winning it,” Morena said.

“We know that teams will now come all out against us, never mind who is there.

“But to be honest, when we come here at home on our soil, we know the difference it makes. We’re going to give everything, that’s the most important thing.”

Sundowns will need to turn that determination into a convincing performance against a Wiliete side hoping to capitalise on any mistakes and secure a place in the group stage.

Kick-off is at 18:00 GMT on Friday.