Remo Stars coach Tiago Conde says he feels privileged to face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The Nigerian side will host Sundowns in the first leg at Gateway Stadium on Sunday [17:00].
Conde admitted that it will be a difficult encounter against the 2024/25 Betway Premiership champions but views it as a valuable opportunity for his team.
“Obviously, it is a big challenge for us, for our story it is a privilege playing against a team like Mamelodi Sundowns,” said Conde.
“Of course, the story they have in this competition is bigger than far in comparison to Remo Stars. But how we prepared these two games, it’s like there are two games where we can go where we have never been, and the most important thing for us is our focus.”
The last time Sundowns lost to a Nigerian side was in 2018 against Lobi Stars during the group stages — a defeat that didn’t stop them from finishing top of their group.
Having reached last season’s final, Sundowns are strong favourites to progress to the group stages once again.
“We want to achieve something we’ve never done before — to win and reach the group stage. That’s our focus,” Conde continued. “It’s difficult, of course, but it’s also difficult for them. It’s 11 versus 11, 90 minutes, and the result over the two legs will decide everything.”
Despite Sundowns’ impressive pedigree in the competition, the Portuguese-born coach insists that reputation will count for little once the match begins.
“You can’t compare it — Sundowns are a different opponent, a different club, a different situation. We respect their history, but for 90 minutes on Sunday, that history won’t play any role,” said Conde.
“The game is 90 minutes, 11 against 11, and anything can happen on the pitch.”
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