Mamelodi Sundowns are shifting their focus to continental duties as they visit FC Nouadhibou in Mauritania for a return fixture of the CAF Champions League group stages on Saturday evening at Stade de la Capitale.
Masandawana are currently languishing first in the Group A table. The last time the two sides met, the away side won 3-0 at home and will be looking to collect the maximum points in Mauritania to remain on top. Speaking to the members of the media, Coach Rulani stated that he anticipates a difficult encounter against a side that is enjoying the top of the tally in their domestic league.
“We know how difficult this game will be. We only have to look at FC Nouadhibou’s results. If you look at the composition of the squad, you can see it has a lot of very good players. We know upfront we will have to deal with the speed and the pace. We know the challenge that is about to face us. They are a good team but we are ready to win against a very strong Nouadhibou side” coach Rulani stated.
“When you watch FC Nouadhibou, they have won ten in twelve games and drawn two in the domestic league, then conceding in only two games. The standard of football that they demonstrate especially on an artificial pitch is something that has to be admired and this is what the Champions League is about,” he continued.
The team’s main objective, according to the Masandawana tactician, is to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament, which is something they are working hard to achieve. He further highlighted that lifting the African Football League silverware was proof enough for his charges that another CAF Champions League title is very possible.
“Fortunately we are still in the Champions League and we don’t have to think about what will happen when we are out of the tournament. Now it’s to qualify for the quarterfinals and that’s what we are focusing on. The goal of winning the Champions League is a dream that we are well within our rights to have as a Club. We have shown that we have the capacity to win it by winning the African Football League and reaching the semi-finals last season. It’s a pain that we still feel and a pain that motivates us to work hard for the title,” he concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns will face FC Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions League group stages on Saturday evening at Stade de la Capitale. Kick-off is scheduled for 18h00.
