South African champions Mamelodi sundowns are going nothing but victory as they entertain Egyptian side Zamalek in the first leg of the final of the CAF champions league in pretoria today.They are determined to try and move closer to completing a remarkable journey to the top of African football
They will however have to deal with a more tricky opposition from five time title holders Zamalek in a two leg match whose ultimate agggregate winner will not only pocket $1.5 million (1.36 million euros) first prize but also a place at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan during December.
But the prospect of facing Real Madrid superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale was the last thing on the minds of the Sundowns squad and staff a few months ago.
Demoted to the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup after losing to Congolese giants AS Vita club only being reinstated after a CAF ban on the Congolese, they went on to lose a play-off against Medeama of Ghana to heighten their disappointment.
Freed of African commitments and with the domestic season over, the players planned holidays and coach Pitso Mosimane arranged to visit the United States and watch the centenary Copa America.
The team however by all odds made it from the Group stages where they beat finalsist Zamalek and Nigerian Enyimba to emerge top in their group and victory today in Pretoria will be a massive boost for the Brazilians who boast of the top keeper in Denis Onyango and the likes of zimbabwean Khama Billiat
