Modiba: Sundowns’ Al Ahli victory has secured place in history

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba says the club’s victory over Al Ahli will be remembered as a landmark achievement by both the team and the players who delivered it.

Sundowns defeated the Saudi Arabian side 2-1 at Loftus Stadium to win the intercontinental trophy, securing the possibility of another match in the competition. Their next potential challenge could be against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, if they first overcome South American opponents who have yet to be determined.

Modiba said the result carried significance well beyond the final score, describing it as a defining moment for Sundowns, their supporters and the Premier Soccer League.

“It’s a huge thing for the club, for our supporters, our president, and everyone in the team. We really wanted to win this game to give ourselves another chance to play another game in the competition,” he said.

“It’s a huge milestone for us as players as well to make history. To be the first players in South Africa to participate in it and win it, so yeah, for us, it’s very important to do well.”

The victory adds to Sundowns’ growing experience on the international stage. They competed in the Club World Cup last year and are currently the reigning African champions, with Modiba believing those appearances in FIFA competitions continue to raise the team’s standards.

The defender has now joined Bafana Bafana camp ahead of their crucial Afcon qualifier against Guinea and Eritrea. Despite the scale of Sundowns’ latest success, Modiba said the squad had already shifted its attention to its next responsibility.

He explained that regularly competing for major honours had taught the players how to manage the celebrations and maintain their focus.

“I think for us it comes with experience, but we know very well we celebrate for 24 hours and then it’s done, and we go back to business and back to being focused,” said Modiba.

“That’s our life here at Sundowns; there is always something in two or three days’ time. For us, it comes with experience; we are used to these things – to be able to win today and the next day be another game.”