Modiba Confident in Sundowns’ Prospects for CAF Champions League
Aubrey Modiba, the defender for Mamelodi Sundowns, is optimistic about the team’s chances of winning the esteemed CAF Champions League trophy this season, with the club’s sole continental victory dating back to 2016 under Pitso Mosimane’s leadership.
The Tshwane giants are preparing to face last season’s runners-up, Esperance de Tunis, at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Following this, Miguel Cardoso’s squad will travel to Tunisia for the second leg of their quarterfinal tie a week later.
Since the 2018/19 season, Sundowns have reached the quarterfinals of Africa’s premier club tournament four times, making it to the semi-finals on three occasions. Despite their success in making it to the knockout stages, Masandawana often struggle in the later rounds of the competition.
At present, the Downs left-back stresses that they are continually working on their weaknesses on the continent as they are determined to break the pattern. Furthermore, the former SuperSport United player believes the club has made considerable investments in the squad, boosting their chances of performing well in Africa.
“We talk about that [challenge] every season; we repeatedly come up short in the semi-finals or the quarterfinals, but we know that these matches are difficult. Each season, we aim for that second star,” Modiba stated.
“We acknowledge the difficulty of the Champions League competition, but I believe we have a strong squad, a capable team ready to compete, along with a supportive technical staff.
“We aspire for this season to take us all the way because we truly desire to reach the finals – appearing in the finals gives us a chance to win the trophy.”
After finishing as the runners-up behind AS FAR of Morocco in the group stages, the South African champions face the tough task of playing the crucial return leg away from home. Modiba emphasizes the importance of securing a win at home.
“We are approaching each match diligently. Our concentration is on the game tomorrow, and we aim for a positive result, especially at home, given that we lost on our home field last season,” the 29-year-old continued.
“Our goal is to win our home matches to enhance our chances in the next round. Thus, securing a home victory is essential, and with the away goal rule still applicable, these factors are critical as we prepare for this match.
“We hope this season will be better, and we’ll progress significantly. We will persist in treating each game as it comes.”
Modiba, who has celebrated seven trophies with the Chloorkop-based club since joining in 2020, is keen to increase his tally of 26 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing four assists along the way.