Super kings of Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was delighted that his side overcame a nervy start to defeat TP Mazembe and lift the Caf Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Downs were not their usual selves in the opening moments of the game, and Mosimane admitted his side got weak at the knees, coming up against a Congolese outfit who have won the Champions League on five occasions.
Sundowns grabbed the winner thanks to a late penalty from Ricardo Nascimento (below).
“It was a difficult game, against credible opponents, the stage was a bit frightening, because we were playing the mighty Mazembe. What I am happy about is that we played the way Sundowns play and we never changed, we did not rush, we knew the ball was going to come (to us). Yes, we were a little nervous about when the goal was going to come.
“But we defeated the mighty Mazembe and it is in the history books now, the trophy is at home. What’s left is to go to Lubumbashi and try win there.”
Mosimane also spoke of how his side kept a lid on probably Mazembe’s most dangerous player, Zambian Rainford Kalaba.
“We kept Rainford Kalaba quiet ... Thapelo Morena did exceptionally well. We gave him footage of Kalaba,” said Mosimane.
Captain Hlompho Kekana expressed his pride at leading the team to glory once again.
“I am so proud to be captain of the team that lifted the Super Cup. I’m proud we won the cup for South Africans,” said Kekana.
Elsewhere in the capital, SuperSport United advanced to the next stage of the Caf Confederation Cup yesterday after a 2-1 win over Madagascan side Elgeco Plus.
Matsatsantsa opened the scoring through a Jeremy Brockie penalty and though the away side levelled matters, Fagrie Lakay’s first goal for SuperSport was enough to see them into the next round.