Former Midfielder Bennett Mnguni Confident Mamelodi Sundowns Can Finish the Job Against ES Tunis 

Mamelodi Sundowns’ growing confidence in their CAF Champions League pursuit has been underlined by former midfielder Bennett Mnguni, who believes the current squad has what it takes to go all the way.

Mnguni has backed his former club not only to reach the final but to lift the trophy, pointing to the team’s belief, understanding on the pitch and attacking intent as key factors behind their strong run.

The Brazilians will host Espérance de Tunis in the second leg of their semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium this Saturday (15:00 kick-off), holding a slender 1-0 advantage with a place in a second successive final at stake.

On the brink of history

The Champions League remains a major target for the Chloorkop-based outfit. 

Since lifting the title in 2016, Sundowns have consistently been among the closest Premier Soccer League sides to reclaim continental glory, with Orlando Pirates still the only other South African club to have won the competition, back in 1995.

Mnguni believes his former side are well positioned to build on their first-leg result and finish the job.

“We have played very well compared to the previous games we played,” Mnguni told Sportsboom.co.za.

“When you play in the Champions League and you're away from home, you try to get a goal and gain the upper hand, but that doesn't mean the opponents won’t score, especially if you give them a chance.”

“However, we now have an advantage because we know how they play, and that works in our favour. We have a huge chance to make the final.”

“I have a lot of trust in the boys. You could tell in the first leg that they didn’t go into the match to draw, but went all out to win it.”

“My expectations are very high, not only to win the upcoming match but also the trophy.”

“It’s very hard to reach the final, and I expect us this time to come back with the trophy.”

Strong second half of the season and impact of Jayden Adams

Although the season has had its ups and downs, the league champions have found their rhythm at a crucial stage. 

The squad has shown strong unity, while individual players have stepped up, including Jayden Adams, whose resurgence has been key to the team’s form, particularly in the second half of the campaign.

Mnguni added that the growing understanding within the squad has contributed significantly to the improvement seen in Adams and the team as a whole.

“When I look at the coach and the way he is working with the players, there is a clear understanding. Even the new players understand that they are now part of a Sundowns side that are winners.”

“Adams has been playing very well. The position he plays requires players around him that he can combine with."

"I have played in that position, and you need to understand movement, when to defend, when not to defend, when to delay and when not to.”

“Once you get those things right, you begin to show how well you can play. He is not a quick player, but when he has the ball, he can slow the game down and, when necessary, pick up the pace without trying anything fancy. He is playing wonderful football.”

Finding the balance

Sundowns are still in the thick of a closely fought league title race with Pirates, with only a single point separating the two sides and a handful of games left, although the Brazilians do have a game in hand that could prove decisive.

Mnguni acknowledged the challenge posed by the Buccaneers but believes his former side deserve to secure not only the continental title, but also the league title this season.

“The league is going to be difficult. Pirates drew their last match (2-2 against Richards Bay FC), but a lot will depend on our next league game against Stellenbosch FC."

"A win there will give us a serious advantage, but anything less could bring them back into the fight.”

“A four-point lead will be difficult for Pirates to overturn. They have been playing well despite their recent draw; however, their lack of clinical finishing has cost them.”

“We are at the stage of the season where it is important to grind out results. The boys have worked very hard, and they deserve to win both trophies that are on the table," he concluded.