Mamelodi Sundowns are set to kick-off their CAF Champions League campaign this weekend as they look to defend their title. Their first fixtures sees them off to Angola to meet Wiliete SC for a Sunday fixture at the Estadio Nacionale da Tundavala.
Early this year, Masandawana became the 2025/26 champions of Africa and will be looking to retain that title and record their third one. But first, they have to go past the Angolan side in the two-legged second preliminary round.
Ahead of the first leg, coach Miguel Cardoso previewed the match, admitting it’ll not me an easy encounter for his men.
“They are one of the best clubs in Angola. We understand very well the team we are playing against and we have studied them very well. We face this qualifying round with respect but at the same time, the respect is mutual, we respect ourselves.,” the coach said.
“They are a team that will obviously create problems for us. We will need to be very focused, concentrated and take the games to the limit. We we also need to work as much as we can on the first match away to bring a result that can open more perspective for the second leg,” he continued.
Echoed by the Downs tactician, Wiliete are currently first on the Angolan Premiership log, having qualified for the second preliminary round after going past their opponents through a 5-0 victory on aggregate. Despite such a tough opponent, coach Miguel backs his side to not only emerge victorious, but to also kick-off their campaign on a high note.
“We will try to put, and we will put the best we can on the pitch, we don’t take anything for granted, we understand how professional we have to be. It’s a team with quality players, so we need to be at our best level, and do everything in our reach. Our preparations have been okay and we hope to have a good match.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will do meet Angolan side, Wiliete SC in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. They are set to meet on Sunday afternoon at the Estadio Nacionale da Tundavala (kick-off: 17H00 SAST).
