Miguel Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns with left back Aubrey Modiba addressing the media ahead of the CAF Champions League final 1st Leg.
Image: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba says the team’s internal conversations and shared belief are driving their push for continental glory as they prepare for the CAF Champions League final.
The Brazilians are set to face Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat in Sunday’s first leg, a match that carries huge historical weight as the club looks to win the competition for only the second time since their 2016 triumph.
That victory a decade ago remains Sundowns’ sole CAF Champions League title, and the current squad now stands one step away from matching that achievement.
Speaking at a press conference at Loftus Stadium on Friday, Modiba highlighted the importance of unity and mental balance within the squad as they approach one of the biggest fixtures in African club football.
“I think what helps us most is the fact that we do have these conversations, we speak about winning the second star for ourselves, the fans and the club,” he told the media.
Sundowns have long made continental success a central ambition, and Modiba believes the shared vision within the dressing room has helped the team stay focused during a demanding campaign.
However, he was also quick to stress the importance of avoiding unnecessary pressure, especially in a final where emotions and expectations can easily become overwhelming.
“We try not to place any pressure on ourselves because when we do that we don’t perform to the best of our ability.”
The defender added that while the team is aware of the expectations from supporters and the broader football community, the focus remains on executing their game plan rather than being consumed by external demands.
“The supporters obviously want the second star and we know and understand that so hopefully we’re going to be able to do that this time around.”
Sundowns’ journey to the final has once again underlined their consistency on the continental stage, with the Tshwane giants establishing themselves as one of Africa’s most dominant modern forces.
Yet despite domestic success over the years, the CAF Champions League remains the ultimate benchmark for the club’s golden generation, many of whom are still chasing a second continental crown.
The timing of this final also adds extra weight, coming ten years after their historic breakthrough in 2016, a reminder of both how far the club has come and how much further they aim to go.