Mamelodi Sundowns will face CAF Champions League over-achievers Pyramids FC in the first leg of the final on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld (3pm kick-off), with a golden opportunity to etch their name deeper into South African football history.
The Brazilians are on the verge of becoming the only South African team to lift the prestigious trophy twice.
But standing in their way is a fearless Pyramids outfit making their first-ever appearance in a CAF Champions League final – guaranteeing a historic outcome, regardless of who claims the title.
The Egyptian side crushed hopes of an all-South African final by knocking out Orlando Pirates 3-2 on aggregate, while Sundowns completed their own mission by eliminating Egyptian giants Al Ahly 1-0 over two legs, after a goalless first-leg draw.
Here, Obakeng Meletse breaks down the three key talking points ahead of the two-legged showdown…
History will count for little
The sides have previously crossed paths during the 2023 group stage.
Teboho Mokoena’s 17th-minute goal at the 30 June Stadium was the only strike across both legs, sealing a narrow 1-0 aggregate win for the Pretoria-based outfit.
Sundowns have been a model of consistency in the tournament, and several players from that campaign remain in the current squad.
Their past travels to Egypt mean they won’t be fazed by what’s to come – but they’ll know that past results won’t count for much when the whistle blows on Saturday.
Neutralising Pyramids’ attack
With the final being played over two legs, it will be crucial for Sundowns not to travel to Egypt in arrears in aggregate.
Pyramids have shown no hesitation in taking the game to their opponents.
While that leaves them vulnerable at the back, they’ve proven lethal going forward – making them a serious threat.
In the semi-final against Pirates, they came close to snatching a first-leg advantage, with VAR twice denying them the lead.
In the second leg, they twice came from behind to win 3-2 and book their place in the final.
Since the group stages, they have scored an impressive 21 goals in 10 matches – compared to just seven from Sundowns in the same span.
It’s clear that the Brazilians will need to find a way to dull their edge without compromising too much at the back.
No shame in winning ugly
Sundowns have dominated the domestic scene while staying true to their identity – defined by structured build-up, technical superiority, and composure.
But continental football brings different demands, and sometimes style has to give way to a practical approach.
Despite scoring only seven goals since the group phase – and just three in their last five games – the team still boast the firepower that shattered this season’s league scoring record for the most team goals in a season (65).
Applying that same league-winning formula may be what gets them across the line in this final.
There’s no shame in grinding out results if it means lifting the trophy.
But if Sundowns can balance their identity with the toughness required on the continent, they may just carve out their place in African football legacy.
