Pyramids gear up confidently for Mamelodi Sundowns clash in CAF Champions League final

Ahead of their CAF Champions League final first-leg against hosts and favourites Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, Pyramids will not be shying away from the challenge.

Kick-off in Pretoria will be at 3pm in what should be perfect conditions of around 20 degrees. The return fixture is a week later at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Sundowns are fresh off securing their eighth league title in a row, and will be keen to add the trophy they last lifted in 2016 to their cabinet.

Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic had no problem asserting his side’s readiness for the clash.

Pyramids Coach Krunoslav Jurcic Confident Ahead of Sundowns Clash

"We identified our opponent's strengths and weaknesses," Jurcic told Mobtada.com.

"We have prepared a balanced plan between attack and defence, hoping to return with a positive result from South Africa that will strengthen the team's position before the second leg.”

On Sunday, Sundowns were officially awarded their Betway Premiership title after their 2-0 win over Magesi at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

It was their last game of the league season, and they had already clinched the title a week prior. In fact, they could probably have secured the trophy a fair bit sooner if second-placed Orlando Pirates had not had three games in hand.

Pirates are on 59 points, while Sundowns ended on 73.

Should Sundowns win the Champions League final, there will be no dispute that they are the best team in Africa. It would go well with their other title, as the richest club on the continent.

Sundowns will also be in action in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup next month.

Not that they were struggling for cash, but Mamelodi Sundowns will earn a handy R174 million simply for playing in the competition.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport