Smiso Msomi
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have the opportunity to finally inject positive energy into their campaign with a CAF fixture on the cards.
The Brazilians will battle eSwatini side Mbabane Swallows at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday at 8pm in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Due to eSwatini not having a single CAF-approved stadium, both legs of this fixture will be played in Pretoria.
After their stuttering start to the 2024/25 campaign, Sundowns are in desperate need of a confidence-boosting result sooner rather than later.
Our continental journey begins! 🌍 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL Action awaits at Lucas 'Masterpieces' Moripe Stadium! 🔜
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 10, 2024
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Unfortunately for Swallows, they may be the team Sundowns release all of their frustration on. The Chloorkop-based outfit, under the guidance of ‘new’ head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, was recently evicted from the MTN8 by Stellenbosch.
It was not only the exit that placed Mngqithi and his team of Steve Komphela and Romain Folz under pressure even at this early stage but rather the nature of the defeat.
Known for their glittering roster of star players from back to front, Sundowns suffered back-to-back losses against Stellies and failed to find the back of the net in 180 minutes. This came after they needed an extra-time own goal in the quarter-finals against Polokwane City.
The club and Mngqithi have been very clear about adopting a different playing style to the one used in recent seasons by departed coach Rulani Mokwena but are yet to see the results. After just three competitive games, it is certainly premature to suggest that there is a crisis in the Sundowns camp, especially with the abundance of quality available.
🇿🇦 @Masandawana are looking to shine at the #FIFACWC!
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) September 9, 2024
Sundowns have been eliminated in the Champions League semi-final stage by Wydad Athletic and Esperance in the past two seasons and are expected to be among the last four once again.
One of the reasons listed for the dismissal of Mokwena was his failure to win a second Champions League title last season, heightening suggestions that Mngqithi’s priority is expected to be continental silverware.
The first step is against Swallows, who will have the odds stacked against them.
As Stellies head coach Steve Barker admitted in their opening preliminary round fixture against eSwatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs, they need ‘the right dance partner’ to help them settle into the competition.
Sundowns may know it is unlikely they’ll walk away with an 8-0 aggregate win like Stellies, but they will target a statement-making performance and result.
Having been very open about their desire to control the minutes of club captain and star midfielder Themba Zwane in the three fixtures, all eyes will on the team selection for this encounter.
The slightly differing adjustments made to suit Mnqgithi’s desired philosophy may see him look to alternatives to build up momentum at this early stage of the season.