Motsepe says Sundowns still have to win final
IN THE aftermath of Mamelodi Sundowns making history over the weekend, their billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe has challenged Pitso Mosimane and his men to bring the prestigious CAF Champions League trophy home.
Motsepe watched with delight as Mosimane’s men shrugged off Zambian champions Zesco United by 2-0 (3-2 on aggregate) to qualify for the final of the CAF Champions League for the first time in 15 years.
After the glorious Saturday night in Atteridgeville, an elated Motsepe heaped praises on Mosimane and his men, urging them to go all the way and conquer Africa, which is one of Motsepe’s biggest ambitions.
“The most important thing that we said is we still have a long way to go. I think it’s correct to say that Pitso did wonderful work. The players did a wonderful work. I mean they made all of us very proud, but nobody remembers number two. Nobody remembers that you were in the final,” said Motsepe.
Sundowns will face Egyptian giants Zamalek in the final of the trophy that Mosimane has been hankering for since his humble days at SuperSport United. When they play Zamalek on the weekend of October 14 and 21, Sundowns will be hoping to hoist high the South African flag.
“To represent the country is a great honour for all of us. We were telling the players that the country is proud of you, go and represent,” said Motsepe.
Mosimane and his men have got to the final for the first time since Ted Dumitru did the trick with the Brazilians in 2001. They subsequently lost to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Elated Mosimane cited his team’s run to the final as “against all odds”, noting a hectic schedule, injuries, suspensions and transfers.
Mosimane said the current side could be the best ever Sundowns team.
“I am happy to be part of history at Sundowns. I think this debate over which is the best team is one we must revisit.
“I know we had the Feutmbas and Chukwus, but they never beat Kaizer Chiefs in the final. We beat Chiefs in the final 3-1,” said Mosimane.
“If we talk about statistics and the history of the club, I think we have matched that. This is a different generation. We are limping. We hardly had 18 players.
“We are limping keep going.”
The former Bafana Bafana coach says the experience he garnered during his tenure at the national team has come in but we handy in guiding his side to the final.
“I am fortunate, and I must thank Safa at this moment. I am fortunate to have been in the programme of continental football for the last five years. I don’t know how many games you play in five years.
“I am fortunate. I have done Afcon, Confed Cup and the World Cup. I have learnt a lot. It rubs off on the players,” said Mosimane.
It has been an incredible week for Mosimane and his players after they reached the final of the MTN8 at the weekend. It might just be the glory days for Mosimane and his men, but first they have to do the work by defeating Bidvest Wits and Zamalek in the MTN8 and Champions League finals.