Wiliete SC head coach Roberto Bianchi believes his side’s elimination of Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League represents a significant milestone in the Angolan club’s growth that was founded in 2018.
The Angolan outfit overcame the South African giants to secure qualification for the group stages, marking a major moment for a club that has been building its reputation both domestically and in African football.
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Bianchi was particularly proud of his players’ resilience, revealing that Williete had to overcome off-field complications ahead of the encounter, with three players unable to feature after immigration issues at OR Tambo International Airport.
“What we did is very good for the club, the growth of a new club, it has been step by step, not only here in the CAF Champions League, also at home in the Girabola, this game has big value because of the size of the rival Mamelodi Sundowns we overcame,” he said.
“We are just grateful as a club, overcoming a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, also because of the circumstances of the contest because the day before, we had immigration issues at OR Tambo, a few players, three players couldn’t make it to the game.
“So, although we had all these problems, we made great sacrifices and we are here now with this result.”
Despite the significance of eliminating Sundowns, Bianchi was quick to temper expectations, emphasising that qualification for the group stages was only the beginning of what Williete hope to achieve this season.
The coach believes the accomplishment will provide his players with greater confidence as they continue their domestic campaign, where they currently sit at the top of the Girabola standings.
“We just qualified for the group stages, we have not done anything yet – however, what you said is correct, it helps with confidence, to do more this season, we’re first in our league,” he said.
“And the group stage, it will give us respect, people didn’t know us but now they know who Williete is and that’s a huge positive for us.”
The group stage draw is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, with Williete and Petro de Luanda both qualified as Angolan representatives.