Five key players that can guide Mamelodi Sundowns to their Champions League dream

Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for what could be the most defining match in the club’s illustrious history as they travel to Cairo to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

With the tie finely balanced following a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last week, the Brazilians know the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Now needing to take the initiative away from home, head coach Miguel Cardoso will be leaning on several of his top performers to deliver when it matters most. 

Below, we highlight five pivotal players who has the mettle to lead Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League triumph.

Grant Kekana

A key figure in Sundowns' defensive unit, Kekana has been instrumental in both their domestic success and their progression to the Champions League final. 

The experienced center-back has displayed consistency and leadership throughout the campaign, but he will now face one of the sternest examinations of his career.

Although Sundowns managed to win the majority of aerial duels in the first leg, they were undone by a single cross that found its way past the defense, resulting in a crucial away goal for Pyramids.

With the Egyptian side known for their reliance on wide play and dangerous deliveries into the box, Kekana's positional awareness and command in the air will be vital in neutralising that threat.

Iqraam Rayners

Iqraam Rayners has been in impressive form in recent games, and his relentless desire to find the back of the net could exactly be the spark the visitors need to regain control in this high-stakes encounter.

The Bafana Bafana forward has netted three goals in his last 10 outings, and with his team in a must-score situation to keep their Champions League dream alive, it will be essential for him to deliver one of his sharpest performances yet. 

Musa Lebusa

Musa Lebusa may not always get the headlines, but his contribution at the back has been invaluable for the Brazilians. A dependable and composed defender, his center-back partnership with Kekana has formed a solid foundation that nearly earned them a first-leg win— with only four minutes of added time separating them from carrying an advantage to Egypt.

Now, with Pyramids’ dangermen Fiston Mayele and first-leg goalscorer Walid El Karti set to be on full-on attack, Lebusa’s task will be to maintain composure and execute with precision and help guide his side to as little goals as possible. 

Lucas Ribeiro Costa

Golden Boot winner in the Betway Premiership and by a mile Sundowns' standout player this season, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has consistently delivered in key moments. His ability to rise to the occasion has been a driving force behind the team’s league success, and Cardoso will be counting on him to produce a similar spark on Sunday.

Costa’s goal in the first leg has kept the tie alive, and with just 90 minutes separating Sundowns from making South African football history by becoming the first club to win the CAF Champions League twice, the spotlight will be firmly on him, and his creativity and finishing could very well be the difference.

Jayden Adams

Formerly of Stellenbosch FC, Jayden Adams didn’t start the first leg but quickly became one of the game’s most influential figures after being introduced in place of Tashreeq Matthews during the first half. 

His immediate impact helped steady the midfield, a role he executed with maturity.

However, inconsistency has plagued Adams in recent weeks, costing him a regular place in the starting eleven. With indications that he could start in the second leg, the young midfielder must rise above his recent dips in form.