Thapelo Morena confident Mamelodi Sundowns can retain CAF Champions League title

Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Thapelo Morena says the reigning CAF Champions League holders are capable of becoming back-to-back winners, despite being held to a goalless draw by Wiliete SC in the first leg of their group-stage play-off.

The Angolan side frustrated Sundowns in last Sunday’s first meeting, leaving the tie finely balanced before the return fixture at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Sundowns enter the second leg under pressure to secure their place in the group stages, having reached that stage in each of the past 10 years. Morena also acknowledged the expectations surrounding the South African champions, who are widely viewed as the continent’s leading challengers after winning the competition.

The 33-year-old said the status of favourites was something the squad accepted as part of its responsibility.

“It’s something that we take up as a responsibility. We can, and we’re willing to do it because we did it at home in the PSL. And now we have the experience after winning,” said Morena.

“We know that teams will also come all out against us, no matter who is there. But to be honest, when we come here at home on our soil, we know the difference. We’re going to give our everything; that’s the most important thing to do on the pitch.”

Morena suggested Sundowns had failed to make the most of their opportunities in the away leg and admitted the team could have produced a better performance.

“I think this game is the most important one for the team to reach the group stages,” he said.

“We have been in the group stages for the past ten years, and it’s one thing as a team we want to achieve. To be honest, we could’ve done better, and things didn’t go well because of what happened. But the most important thing is the game we are looking forward to.”

The experienced player believes the first encounter in Angola has nevertheless given Sundowns a clearer understanding of Wiliete SC ahead of Friday’s decisive match.

With home advantage at Loftus Versfeld, Morena expects The Brazilians to take the initiative as they seek to protect their CAF Champions League title and extend their run of 10 successive group-stage appearances.