Sundowns Aim to Shed Choker Reputation in CAF Champions League Final

Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa are considered strong contenders for a second CAF Champions League title as they prepare to face Pyramids in the two-leg final. However, the Cairo outfit has displayed resilience and capability, having recently disrupted the traditional dominance of Egyptian football.

Based in Pretoria, Sundowns, who previously claimed the continental title in 2016, will host the opening leg on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld before heading to Cairo for the return fixture on June 1.

The South African side has frequently progressed to the latter stages of the tournament, successfully reaching the quarter-finals in seven of the past eight editions.

Despite their impressive track record, which includes navigating the group stages with ease and even setting a record for points accumulation, they have garnered a reputation for faltering under the pressure of knockout football.

Last month, they seemed on the verge of being eliminated in the semi-finals for the third consecutive year, but a last-gasp own goal provided them with a 1-1 draw against defending champions Al Ahly, allowing them to advance based on the away goals rule.

Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, the club is owned by the family of Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football and one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa.

Motsepe has invested heavily into the club, providing resources that far surpass those of nearly all their competitors.

Last week, Sundowns claimed their record-extending eighth consecutive South African Premiership title and are set to participate in the Club World Cup next month, bolstered by recent signings from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

Pyramids, established in 2008, have emerged as a strong force, stepping out from the shadows of Egypt’s top clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek. After relocating to Cairo a decade later due to a takeover by Saudi investors, the club now enjoys UAE ownership that has granted them significant financial power to rival Al Ahly and Zamalek for Egypt’s best players, as well as scout talent from across Africa.

This marks Pyramids’ first appearance in the Champions League final, having reached this stage just in their second attempt.

They are also vying for their inaugural Egyptian league title and will compete in the domestic cup final against Zamalek on June 5.