“We have been knocking and flirting with it and we are finally in the final.” said Modiba.
Aubrey Modiba is aiming to follow in the footsteps of the Mamelodi Sundowns 2016 squad that lifted the CAF Champions League trophy.
The Brazilians are on the verge of yet another significant achievement in Africa’s premier club competition.
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They are set to take on Pyramids FC in a two-legged final, with the first leg kicking off at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
Only Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango remain from the triumphant side of nine years ago. Thapelo Morena was part of the squad at the time but was ineligible to play, having just arrived from Bloemfontein Celtic.
“The guys that have won it, have explained how important it is to win this competition. When we arrived here, we had the mentality of wanting to do well in this competition because of the previous pool of players, but it hasn’t happened yet,” Modiba said ahead of the big final.
“We have been knocking and flirting with it and we are finally in the final. We just want that joy they had in 2016. You could see the celebrations in the county, fans were happy, and everyone at the club. We want to bring back the happiness and positivity going forward. It would be great for us to win it because we want to make history at this club, and as players, we really want to win trophies.
“Right now, having played so many Champions League games at Sundowns, we understand what it takes to reach the final and try to win it because it has been eluding us for so many years, and I think we are on the right track now,” he added.
Although Pyramids are making their debut in a Champions League final, Modiba isn’t underestimating them. The Cairo-based side secured their place by eliminating Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals.
Masandawana and the Egyptian outfit have faced each other twice before, with Sundowns winning one encounter and the other ending in a goalless draw.
“We are expecting a tough game against Pyramids, they are a great team. They do well home and away so we just have to apply ourselves well and try to win the game especially at home,” the Bafana Bafana international concluded.
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“They have signed a few players from the last time that we played them. I think they have now gained more experience in the champions league and hence they are in the final.
“They are doing well even in their own league and they are competing with Al-Ahly. They are a team that has evolved so much and they have a different approach from the last team we played.”
