Mvala: Our Dedication to Securing the Champions League Trophy for Mzansi

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala expressed his strong belief that the team is determined to bring the CAF Champions League trophy back to South Africa by the end of the weekend.

The Sundowns are preparing to clash with Pyramids in the second-leg final of the Champions League this Sunday at 21:00, facing significant pressure.

This declaration comes on the heels of Sundowns conceding a last-minute equalizer in the first-leg final at Loftus Stadium last Sunday. Their failure to adequately defend a cross allowed Walid El Karti to score with an unopposed header at the back post, granting the Egyptian team a pivotal advantage.

El Karti’s goal brought parity after Lucas Ribeiro Costa had given Sundowns the lead in the second half of a match filled with intense competition from both sides.

Consequently, Sundowns will need to assert themselves against Pyramids, as a goalless draw would suffice for Pyramids to clinch their first Champions League title.

For Sundowns to secure their second Champions League trophy and become the first South African team to do so, they need to come out strong right from the start; for instance, a 2-2 draw would lead to their victory.

“We promise the fans of Mamelodi Sundowns and all South Africans that we will return with the trophy,” Mvala affirmed, even after previously scoring an own goal in the second-leg semi-final against Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Stadium in 2023, a mistake that resulted in their elimination and left the team disheartened.

“As players, we have recognized our mistakes in training and have worked on them. I’m confident we’ve made the necessary improvements,” Mvala added.

Pyramids, making their debut at this competitive level, have proven that they deserve respect. Following some tactical adjustments by Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso in the second half in Pretoria, the momentum swung to the visitors, allowing them to score an equalizer.

“We don’t care how we will achieve it; we are fervent about returning with the trophy,” Mvala reiterated, whose season has been impacted by injuries, leading coach Cardoso to frequently adjust his defensive lineup.