Chase elusive second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title
Peter-Shalulile-of-Mamelodi-Sundowns-celebrates-goal-during-the-2023-24-CAF-Champions-League-group-match-between-Sundowns-and-TP-Mazembe-at-the-Lucas-Moripe-stadium-Pretoria-CAFonline
- Sundowns chasing elusive second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title
- Masandawana buoyed by recent African Football League title
- The club is aiming to dominate the continent after doing so domestically
Since lifting their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns have seen the title slip away at every attempt.
The South Africans, who lifted the inaugural African Football League (AFL) last season, are again within touching distance of Africa’s most prized club football possession. However, they have to face reigning Tanzanian champions Young Africans in a two-legged Quarter-Finals fixture on 30 March (Away) and 05 April (Home).
Masandawana, as the South African champions are affectionately known, have dominated the domestic scene in the last six seasons and are well on course to lifting a record-extending seventh consecutive league title.
While enjoying great success at home, the club from the nation’s capital has, for the past few seasons, set its eyes on continental success. With the recent confidence of the African Football League, they will be looking at finally winning their second African crown.
Brief History:
Mamelodi Sundowns was formed in 1970 and played its home matches in Pretoria, the nation’s capital, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The club is known for its attractive style of play, which has resulted in it being dubbed “The Brazilians.”
Achievements
Mamelodi Sundowns have won the league title a record 13 times. They have also won four league cups and six FA Cup titles, along with four Top 8 trophies.
Continental Achievements
They lifted the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in 2016 en route to lifting the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup in the same season. They are also champions of the inaugural African Football League.
Sundowns were also voted African Club of the Year at the CAF Awards 2016.
Head Coach – Rulani Mokwena
At just 37, Mokwena is one of the brightest young coaches on the continent. He has established himself as one of the most tactically sound coaches. His ambition and innovative approach to coaching have resulted in great success for the club, and he hopes to be the youngest coach to lift Africa’s most coveted club football title.
Key Player – Ronwen Williams
Voted the best goalkeeper at the recently concluded TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Ronwen Williams is Mokwena’s trusted man in between the sticks. In addition to his acrobatic saves, Williams is essential in Sundowns’ build-ups with his ability to play with both feet and link with the defense.
