Raja Casablanca head coach Fadlu Davids has shared his perspective on Mamelodi Sundowns and their prospects of lifting the CAF Champions League title this season.
Masandawana progressed from the group stages into the quarterfinals, where they eliminated Stade Malien to secure a semifinal berth.
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The Brazilians are now set to face Espérance de Tunis as they aim to reach a second consecutive final.
Davids noted that Sundowns’ current run mirrors their historic 2016 campaign under Pitso Mosimane, when they clinched their first continental crown.
With traditional powerhouses Al Ahly and Pyramids FC already out, he believes Sundowns are in a stronger position to go all the way.
“It was really a huge shock for Pyramids to be out, for Al Ahly to be out,” said Davids.
“It only opens the door for Sundowns if you talk about the moment for them to be able to win the Champions League, it’s now.
“I remember in 2016, it was a similar type, ‘are they going to qualify, if they don’t, they qualify through appeals in the boardroom, going on to win it.
“It was similar [this season], so they qualify through the group stages which were really tough. And they immediately made it through.
“And now the coach looks clear, it’s not going to be easy against Esperance, with the calibre, with the experience in what they have gone through since 2016.
“I think this is the season that Sundowns with the experience of players, the age, experience of the team, this is the moment which if they don’t win it this time, they would be very disappointed in themselves.”
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