Mamelodi Sundowns’ versatile player Thapelo Morena, fresh from helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has shifted his focus back to club duties while downplaying concerns over the team’s recent Carling Knockout defeat to Marumo Gallants before the international break.
Sundowns will travel to Nigeria to face Remo Stars in the first leg of the CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round on Sunday (17:00).
“The game is going to start when we land in Nigeria. So we’re going to have to put our minds to it, and whatever comes our way, we need to move it,” said Morena.
It could be a tricky encounter for the South African outfit as Remo Stars will look to make amends for their 3-1 away loss to Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier League.
Remo Stars have also implemented a free entry policy for their supporters for the tie against Sundowns.
Furthermore, the side from Ogun state, Nigeria, has postponed two of their domestic league matches in preparation for their clash with last season’s CAF Champions League finalists.
Morena opened up on what he expects from the away side’s fan base.
“I think they want the upper hand. Obviously, if you give, if you give your team two games, you postpone your two games, leading to a game like this, it shows the magnitude of the game, and also giving free entrance, you want all the supporters to push the team,” added Morena.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will be hoping to secure a positive result, which will alleviate the pressure in the return leg at Loftus Versfeld on 26 October.
“So with us, we go in there to do business, and the business that we know, it’s going to be in the field, and we’re definitely sure that we will do our level best and come with maximum points,” added Morena.
Sundowns reached the CAF Champions League final last season but lost to Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
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