As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to battle again in the tough terrain of continental African football, head coach Manqoba Mngqithi is confident his side can clinch the CAF Champions League title this season.
Masandawana have won Africa’s premier club competition only once, in 2016 under coach Pitso Mosimane. Since then, however, despite dominating the Betway Premiership, Sundowns have struggled to replicate their 2016 success on the continent.
In their seemingly elusive quest for continental glory, this season, The Brazilians have made several high profile signings, such as 22-year-old Brazilian forward Arthur Sales, and winger Kobamelo Kodisang who was signed from Portuguese top-flight side Moreirense.
Ka bo Yellow have also roped in the services of Betway Premiership's second highest goal-scorer last season in Iqraam Rayners from Stellebosch FC.
Mnqithi has already conceded that he expects Rayners to be key in Masandawana's Champions League aspirations, saying: “I’m looking at him more for the Champions League than the PSL. As much as he is going to help us in the PSL"
With all these massive investments, Mnqithi believes Sundowns can now climb the mountaintop of African football once more.
"We have a responsibility to say can we win the Champions League? because for me that is something that we have been lacking and it is something that honestly speaking I think we will win" Mnqithi told The Pitchside Podcast
The Sundowns coach, who was handed the reigns after the sacking of Rhulani Mokwena, also boldly claimed his side was much stronger than last season.
"The only message I can give to the Masandawana family is that we are stronger than last season. We are more powerful than last season and we are more aggressive than last season."
IOL Sport