Mamelodi Sundowns defender Zuko Mdunyelwa has urged South Africans to rally behind the club as they prepare for a decisive CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Esperance this weekend.
The South African champions carry a one-goal advantage into the return leg, which will be played in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, kicking off at 15h00.
Mdunyelwa says the occasion goes beyond club football, insisting Sundowns are carrying the hopes of an entire nation as they push for a place in the final.
“I can say to the football lovers, we are representing South Africa,” he said. “We are representing each province that is in South Africa. We are representing South African football, so let the supporters come in their large numbers and support us because this is very important for us, for our country as a whole.”
The former Chippa United defender added that every member of the squad has a vital role to play, whether starting or coming off the bench.
“It is very important. So, as players that are sitting on the bench, we are not seen as players that are on the bench, but most importantly as finishers of the game,” he explained.
“There are starters and finishers. When we’re sitting on the bench, we’re trying to analyse the rhythm of the game, where I’m going to be needed, and how I can finish and help the team in the best possible way.”
Sundowns will be aiming to protect their slender advantage and secure a place in the CAF Champions League final in front of their home supporters.
