As Mamelodi Sundowns gear up for a colossal CAF Champions League final clash against Pyramids FC, one of the club’s modern legends has made a heartfelt plea. Teko Modise, who knows the pain and glory of African football’s grandest stage, is hoping to see the Brazilians lift the trophy once more – and this time, do it for talismanic figure Themba Zwane.
Modise, who was part of the historic 2016 squad that delivered Sundowns' first and only Champions League title, believes the stars have aligned for another run at continental glory. And while he acknowledges the strength of the current squad, his focus is firmly on one man: “Mshishi.”
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“I said it so many years ago, not every player will get to play for the national team but Mamelodi Sundowns are competing in a continental space,” Modise said passionately.
“They’ve been preaching that they want to dominate that space and even though the Champions League has been eluding them for so many years, there’s an opportunity this time around.”
Modise, revered for his flair and intelligence during his playing days, didn’t hold back in praising the quality of the current Sundowns team, suggesting they might even be stronger than the class of 2016.
“They do have better players than we had back in 2016. I strongly believe they are capable of actually winning it. Of course, you’re playing against Pyramids, who are first-timers, but that doesn’t mean you’re just going to walk over them. It’s going to be tough come Saturday.”
The 2024/25 season has been a bittersweet one for Themba Zwane. The Sundowns captain suffered a potentially career-threatening Achilles tendon rupture that left fans fearing the worst. For a player who has built a reputation for consistency and near-untouchable fitness, it was a cruel blow. But Zwane has returned to action at just the right time and Modise believes his presence could be the difference in this crucial semi-final.
“Yes, I think for the fact that he has never had injuries, and for the first time this season he suffered what could have been a career-ending injury, we weren’t sure if he could come back,” Modise reflected. “And now he’s back and he’s playing with the team. Mshishi’s influence on the pitch is something that we need, especially in this type of final.”
Zwane, alongside Denis Onyango, is one of only a few players left in the squad who were part of the 2016 triumph. That kind of experience, says Modise, is irreplaceable.
“He and Denis were there in 2016, they know the feeling. So you need such players to inspire the others who have never been in this position.”
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