As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to begin another CAF Champions League campaign, Soccer Laduma looks at five key factors that will be important in their bid to finally get that second star.
It may only be the beginning of the competition for Sundowns, but being able to map out the season and where they will get it right will be important for them as they try to win the competition this time. After bowing out in the semi-finals last season, the Brazilians will be on a mission to go a step further to give themselves a shot at lifting the trophy they last won in 2016.
READ: Arendse: Why This Is The Season For Sundowns
The form of Themba Zwane
The experienced midfielder has been one of Sundowns' most consistent players in the Champions League for the last seven years and his presence will no doubt be important. One of the few remaining members of the all-conquering 2016 squad, Zwane has an ability to win big matches for Sundowns and this is when they will need him the most, should they go far in the competition. Head coach Rulani Mokwena will be hoping that the Bafana Bafana midfielder can avoid injury to help in their cause to win the continental club competition.
Top group stage finish
Finishing top of the group in the round robin phase of the competition is crucial, as it gives clubs an advantage of playing the second leg matches in the quarter-final at home. Sundowns obviously have to get there first, but they have shown time and again that getting out of the group stages is not too much of a problem for them. It will be important for them to finish top of their group when that time comes.
PSL Form
Sundowns have made a good start to the season in the Premiership and this will give them breathing room whenever they go into the Champions League. What Sundowns have done well over the years is to give themselves some room for error in the Premiership by opening up a gap from early on in the season, making it difficult for clubs below them to keep up. In just the first six matches of the season, Mokwena's men have opened up a pretty decent gap and they can go into the Champions League tonight knowing that they will still be top of the table when they play their next domestic league match.
The South Americans
Sundowns have done well in the market with South American players in the squad and they can make a mark in the competition. Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa has settled in quite well since joining the club and getting an opportunity to play in the Champions League during the qualifying rounds will give him a clear idea of what to expect going forward. Marcelo Allende did well in his first season in the Champions League last term and the experience he gained will come in handy the further they go in the competition.
READ: 'Teams Can Stop Sundowns If...'
Squad rotation
With a big squad to participate on all fronts, Sundowns have the luxury of rotating players and it hardly makes a difference to team momentum when that happens. Players are able to come in and still make a mark, with coach Mokwena often emphasising the importance of having everyone prepared for when they are needed. This will be important for their campaign.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
