Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has his sights fixed on going far in the CAF Champions League despite recent setbacks.
The Brazilians are pointless after their win over Algerian side ES Setif was declared null and void following the North Africans’ disqualification from the competition. Mosimane’s side also lost their captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele, who was unveiled as a Kaizer Chiefs player yesterday.
Mosimane, though, opted to focus on his men getting one over Nigerian giants Enyimba FC, who they host at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville Wednesday night.
“We have learnt that in the Champions League, you must never concede at home, especially in knockout stages. That’s the lesson we learnt rather than complaining that we lost three points. We have been given privileges. There are so many benefits out of this. Where we are now we can say we are among the top seven on the continent. What does it help? It stops this thing that only Orlando Pirates gave South Africa an opportunity to have two teams in the Champions League and two in Confederation Cup. We have also contributed to a longer spell for our country to have two teams in Champions League and two in Confed Cup,” said Mosimane.
Mosimane, who led Sundowns to four trophies since his arrival in 2012, is unwavering in his belief that the reigning PSL champions can go all the way to the final.
“You should be able to qualify for the final. You have to win two games at home. You beat Zamalek and Enyimba then you are on six points. It gives you an opportunity. The mentality has changed a little bit. We have found our confidence to go out and win,” said Mosimane.
The three-time PSL Coach of the Season knows that Enyimba, who have won their domestic league seven times and the Champions League twice, will not be a walk in the park. Mosimane is expecting a physical game given the stature of the West Africans. He has an idea of how the Nigerians are going to line up.
“They have got good attack. You know Nigerians. They are gladiators. They have a very aggressive mentality. We know what tackles we are going to get. We should also know that on set-pieces, they are strong. They jump. We have got the right play and the right team to win but we don’t have the proper balance. People are sick with flu, some are suspended. Some are gone,” said the former Bafana Bafana coach.
Mosimane revealed that Mphahlele’s departure will be felt after the former captain failed to agree terms with the seven times PSL champions.
“We will miss him, but we have to continue. Life goes on. He is a good boy, good player and my captain.” - The Star