Mamelodi Sundowns legend Surprise Moriri has backed the current squad to go all the way and lift their second CAF Champions League trophy in the club’s history.
Sundowns face ASFAR in a double-legged Champions League final with the first leg scheduled to take place on Friday, 15 May – while the return leg is scheduled for Sunday 24 May in Rabat.
In what will be a monumental affair between the 2016 and 1985 champions, both are looking to add a second star to their crest whilst also competing for league honours in the South African and Moroccan top-flight respectively.
Masandawana have made to sweat for their second successive final – having lost to Pyramids last season – as they qualified for the knockout stages on the final day with a 2-0 win over MC Alger, before ousting Stade Malien and Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the knockout stages.
“I think it’s going to be very sweet, I think also if you look at the way, in terms of the group stages, how we qualified for the knockout stages, it was not easy – but after that, the boys fought very hard to make sure we get to where we are now to the final,” Moriri said.
“I know that everyone is looking forward to the final, we have been chasing this thing for too long, I think we are very very close to this and it will be very sweet to put the second star on the jersey.
“But I know it won’t be easy, as they say, success is sweeter when achieved under tough times, unlike when it comes on a silver platter. The boys have fought hard, paid their dues, paid their school fees. Where we are now it’s up to us what we do – but I have trust and belief in the boys and the technical team.
“But most importantly also, our supporters, they must make sure to rally behind the team so we can go for the last lap – but I have trust and belief that this time around, we will put the second star on our jersey.”
Sundowns first triumph came a decade ago when they beat Zamalek SC 3-1 on aggregat under then head coach Pitso Mosimane.
