Komphela calls for courage as Mamelodi Sundowns chase CAF glory in Cairo

Senior coach Steve Komphela says Mamelodi Sundowns must remember what helped them overcome past challenges as they head into the final stretch to reclaim the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns will face Pyramids in the second leg of the final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night (kick-off 7pm). The Brazilians travel to Egypt on the back foot, having conceded during their 1–1 draw with Pyramids in the first leg, giving the Egyptian side a valuable away goal.

Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring for the hosts early in the second half, but a lapse in concentration saw Walid El Karti net a late equaliser for the visitors. However, if any team can score and possibly win outright in North Africa, it’s Sundowns.

During their impressive run on the continent, the Brazilians held firm in away matches in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. They drew 0–0 with Esperance of Tunisia in the quarter-final second leg, advancing 1–0 on aggregate. In the semi-finals, they hosted Al Ahly in a goalless first leg before securing a 1–1 draw in Cairo, progressing on the away goals rule.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Carling Black Label partnership event with Sundowns ahead of the Fifa Club World Cup in the US, Komphela encouraged his players to channel their previous heroics in Cairo.

“I think beyond experience – it’s what we felt in Tunisia and Egypt against Al Ahly,” said Komphela.

“There’s something intangible – courage. The team reached another level of bravery which, if we can recall it, we can come back.

“We have enough quality. All we need to do is respect the game, reflect on what we did over the weekend, identify areas for improvement, and apply more effort.

“We need to reaffirm what we are known for. We’ll need to summon a lot of courage, because it won’t be easy!”

Sundowns have dominated domestic football, having won the Betway Premiership for a record-extending eighth successive time. With their semi-final curse in the Champions League now broken, expectations are high for them to clinch a second continental title in nine years.

Komphela, however, insists they will not be weighed down by expectations.

“Pressure is a privilege for us,” he said.

“If you view pressure as something negative, you won’t perform. But if you see it as a pleasure, you get the opportunity to test your strength and run your own race.

“You need to assess your capacity against your challenges, and if you succeed, it’s an upgrade. If not, you say: let me come back stronger.”

Coach Miguel Cardoso faced criticism for leaving captain Themba Zwane on the bench in the first leg in Pretoria. As such, he’s expected to start the talismanic playmaker in Cairo. Komphela explained that Zwane, affectionately known as 'Mshishi', is being carefully managed following his return from a long-term injury.

“We’ll assess that,” Komphela said. “We resumed training on Tuesday, and every match is different.

“It’s not the first time Mshishi hasn’t played. We’ve been managing his return, not just recently but for some time.

"The Champions League is a different kettle of fish, but we know what he’s capable of. He can come in and help us,” Komphela concluded.