Raja Casablanca coach Fadlu Davids backs Mamelodi Sundowns for CAF Champions League glory

Former Orlando Pirates FC assistant coach and current Raja Club Athletic head coach Fadlu Davids has charged Mamelodi Sundowns to seize golden opportunity to secure CAF Champions League title following Pyramids FC and Al Ahly shocking elimination.

Sundowns were handed a major boost in their quest for continental glory after the shock exits of Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly SC and Pyramids FC from the CAF Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Pyramids, the reigning champions, and Al Ahly—widely regarded as one of the competition’s most dominant forces—were both expected to go deep into the tournament once again. Their unexpected eliminations have sent shockwaves across African football, opening up the competition in a way few anticipated.

With the traditional heavyweights out, attention has now shifted toward Sundowns, who are widely seen as one of the strongest remaining contenders for the title. Their chances have been further boosted by the current landscape of the competition, which appears more open than in previous seasons.

For Fadlu Davids, this is a defining moment for Sundowns to finally reclaim Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.

 “It was really a huge shock for Pyramids to be out, for Al Ahly to be out,” Davids said, reflecting on the early departures of the Egyptian giants.

According to him, the door is now wide open for the South African champions to take advantage of the situation and assert their dominance on the continental stage.

“It only opens the door for Sundowns. If you talk about the moment for them to be able to win the Champions League, it’s now.”

Davids drew parallels to Sundowns’ 2016 campaign, when the club overcame early uncertainty to eventually lift the trophy, highlighting their ability to thrive under pressure and defy expectations.

“I remember in 2016, it was a similar type… they qualify through the group stages which were really tough. And they immediately made it through.”

He also cautioned that despite the favourable circumstances, nothing will come easy for Sundowns, especially against experienced opponents such as Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

“It’s not going to be easy against Esperance, with the calibre, with the experience in what they have gone through since 2016.”

Still, Davids insists that this could be the perfect window for Sundowns, given their blend of experience, squad depth, and tactical maturity.

“I think this is the season that Sundowns, with the experience of players, the age, experience of the team, this is the moment. If they don’t win it this time, they would be very disappointed in themselves.”

As the competition reaches its decisive stages, Sundowns find themselves in a rare and golden position. With the traditional giants out of the way, the pressure is on the Tshwane side to seize the moment and deliver on the continent’s biggest stage.