In the unyielding world of African football, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Mamelodi Sundowns, who are on the cusp of securing their second CAF Champions League title.
Since their historic triumph in 2016 when they won their only title, Sundowns have weighed in with incessant effort, honed their skills, altered strategies and built a squad brimming with talent and potential.
This, seemingly, has laid the foundation for another successful bid for continental supremacy.
The final is a two-legged affair, with the Brazilians hosting Egyptian upstarts Pyramids FC in the first leg on Saturday (3pm kick-off) at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The next stop will be the crucial return leg on June 1 in Cairo.
We track the features of Sundowns’ Champions League journey ahead of the two pulse-pounding encounters over the next two weeks…
1 Group-stage resilience and depth
During the Group B stage, Sundowns have emerged as formidable contenders.
Despite the pressure of playing in a group with Moroccan heavyweight clubs such as Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat, who have four Champions League titles between them, they underlined their ability to navigate the complexities of continental football.
Masandawana suffered one loss in six games and secured crucial victories, marked by strategic prowess.
It speaks volumes about their preparation and execution during high-pressure games, a testament to their tenacity and character on the field.
2 Cardoso transformed knockout campaign
The coaching baton was handed to the Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso after two matches in the knockout stages.
Both games under Manqoba Mngqithi ended in draws.
Cardoso first showed his hand in the next with a win over three-time champions Raja Casablanca.
He brought structure, stability, and a continental edge to Sundowns.
With this mix, under his stewardship, they edged out last season’s finalists Esperance 1-0 across two legs in the quarter-finals.
They displayed remarkable fortitude in revising the playbook against the tournament’s giants, Al Ahly, in the semi-finals. Cardoso’s tactics laid the platform for individuals to shine.
3 Ronwen Williams, the Rock of Gibraltar
Sundowns’ stalwart goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has become the rock on which his team’s continental dreams are built.
He has emerged as one of the competition’s best shot-stoppers, maintaining a contest-high number of clean sheets.
His contributions extend beyond mere saves; they embody a presence and leadership, particularly during hostile games in Tunis and Cairo.
As the last line of defence, Williams is expected to play a pivotal role in the forthcoming finals, where every save could mark the difference between glory and disappointment.
His influence on his team’s fortunes cannot be overstated.
4 Domestic arena a breeding ground for success
The confidence bubbling in Sundowns’ ranks signifies the emergence of a confident, battle-hardened squad that thrives under pressure and knows how to claim victory.
For months, the squad balanced local and continental fixtures, as well as national team call-ups.
Often, there was very little recovery time, but the Brazilians carved out a legacy of excellence that has transformed the South African football landscape.
Their domination locally cultivated a belief amid deep-seated expectation that knows how to prevail. Even amidst injuries or fixture congestion, their system persisted with fluidity and competitiveness.
5 Sundowns can bury ghosts of the past
After being crowned 2016 champions, Sundowns dropped out three times in the semi-final rounds in subsequent seasons.
This year’s squad, however, appears mentally steeled, tactically astute, and infused with an emotional resolve to overcome past demons.
Having eliminated heavyweights like Esperance and Al Ahly, teams with deep reservoirs of experience and winning history.
Progressing past such heavyweights has fortified their confidence and highlighted their undeniable talent.
The upcoming finals will offer a chance to eradicate the ghosts of previous campaigns and transform past disappointments into triumphs.
