Sundowns keep close watch on heavily funded Wiliete ahead of Champions League tie

Mamelodi Sundowns are continuing to monitor Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD, who are expected to face the South African champions in the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League next month.

The Angolan side strengthened their position with a 4-0 first-leg victory over Foresters Mont Fleuri FC of Seychelles on Sunday. Veteran forward Mabululu and former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto were among the scorers.

Wiliete will host the second leg this weekend, with Sundowns expected to face them over two matches in October if the Angolan club completes the job and reaches the next round.

Sundowns had a representative in the stadium for Sunday’s match as the club continued its assessment of a potential opponent. The observer was present to gain a clearer understanding of how Wiliete’s Brazilian coach, Beto Bianchi, sets up his team.

The Brazilians also sent a representative to Angola last month when Wiliete faced Petro Luanda in the Super.

Wiliete have been described as a club with substantial financial backing by Almiro Lobo, a former Bidvest Wits and Platinum Stars left-back who is now assistant coach at fellow Angolan top-flight side Bravos do Maquis.

“They are a new team, but the guys from what I have heard, there are some guys from the government who have put in a lot of money in that team,” Miro told KickOff.com.

The club has also recruited strongly ahead of the new season, according to Lobo, and now possesses several prominent players.

“This season they recruited well and even have Mabululu, Gibele, amongst other top players,” he said.

Lobo believes Wiliete have the organisation and quality to make the tie competitive, even if they are not expected to match Sundowns in every area.

“They are an organised team with some good players, so they are able to compete against Sundowns; it might not be face-to-face, but they will stand up to Sundowns.

“A lot of money has been invested in that team.

“They have said that this season they want to wrestle the domestic league title from Petro.”

The Angolan club also have an experienced coach in Bianchi, who has knowledge of football on the continent.

“They also have an experienced Brazilian coach as well who knows the continent well,” added Lobo.

Wiliete’s financial strength has been enhanced by a change allowing Angolan clubs to register as many as nine foreign players. Lobo says that has helped make them one of the country’s leading payers.

“Just so that you know, the top earners here in Angola are at Petro and Wiliete now, especially now that clubs can have up to nine foreign players,” said Lobo, who holds a CAF A licence.

Sundowns are also preparing for the Champions League campaign after completing the signing of a former Orlando Pirates player, while midfielder Mokoena’s growing attacking influence has been another recent talking point at the club.

If Wiliete progress, they will meet Sundowns over two legs in October, with a place in the CAF Champions League group stages at stake.