CAF Champions League: Wiliete SC coach Roberto Bianchi hails Sundowns victory as major milestone

Wiliete SC head coach Roberto Bianchi says his side’s elimination of Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League marks a significant step in the Angolan club’s development.

The club, founded in 2018, secured qualification for the group stage after overcoming the South African giants, underlining their growing ambitions in African football.

Bianchi praised his players for their resilience, revealing that Wiliete had to contend with off-field challenges before the encounter, with three players unavailable because of immigration issues at OR Tambo International Airport.

“What we did is very good for the club, the growth of a new club. It has been step by step, not only here in the CAF Champions League, but also at home in the Girabola,” he said.

“This game has big value because of the size of the rival, Mamelodi Sundowns, we overcame.

“We are just grateful as a club, overcoming a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, also because of the circumstances of the contest. The day before, we had immigration issues at OR Tambo. Three players couldn’t make it to the game.

“So, although we had all these problems, we made great sacrifices and we are here now with this result.”

Despite the significance of the achievement, Bianchi was quick to caution against excessive celebration, insisting that reaching the group stage was only the beginning of the club’s ambitions for the season.

The coach believes the victory will boost his players’ confidence as they look to maintain their strong domestic form, with Wiliete currently leading the Girabola standings.

“We just qualified for the group stages, we have not done anything yet,” he said.

“However, what you said is correct, it helps with confidence, to do more this season. We’re first in our league.”

Bianchi also believes qualification will raise the club’s profile across the continent, having earned recognition by eliminating one of Africa’s established sides.

“And the group stage, it will give us respect. People didn’t know us, but now they know who Wiliete is, and that’s a huge positive for us,” he added.

The CAF Champions League group-stage draw is scheduled for Wednesday, with Wiliete and Petro de Luanda set to represent Angola in the competition.