SOUTH AMERICAN CONNECTION: Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate with their CAF Champions League gold medals in Rabat on Sunday.
Image: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns’ aggressive recruitment drive into the South American market has finally delivered the club’s ultimate objective after CAF Champions League glory in Morocco.
Over recent seasons, Sundowns invested heavily in foreign talent as they searched for the formula capable of restoring continental dominance a decade after their first African title.
Players such as Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales arrived in Tshwane carrying significant expectations, sizable transfer fees and the pressure of helping deliver the one trophy that had continued to evade the club.
The Chloorkop-based outfit also pulled another master stroke when they roped in Colombian sharpshooter Brayan Leon, who has then scored five goals in his 10 appearances in the competition.
Following Sunday’s triumph over AS FAR Rabat, both players admitted they fully understood the magnitude of responsibility placed on them from the moment they joined Sundowns.
“Personally we know when you’re coming into a club as big as this then we need to deliver trophies immediately and we know how important this particular trophy was for the club,” said Allende.
The Chilean midfielder has become one of Sundowns’ most influential players since arriving at Chloorkop, with his composure, tactical intelligence and technical quality proving vital throughout their continental run.
“From the minute you arrive, you are told how important this cup is and I think we delivered it and the club, the chairman and all the players deserve it.”
The Champions League triumph may ultimately strengthen Sundowns’ belief in continuing to scout heavily within South America, where the club believes it can identify technically gifted players capable of adapting to African football’s biggest stages.
Importantly for Sundowns supporters, the success appears to have only intensified the squad’s ambition heading into next season.
“Next season, we want everything and that’s the nature of playing for Sundowns, we want the league and the cups,” added Allende.
Brazilian forward Sales echoed those sentiments while reflecting on the emotional significance of finally ending Sundowns’ long wait for continental success.
“I think after such a long time not winning the competition, this win feels bigger,” he said.
“But the life of a footballer means when you’re done with one then you look at another and that’s exactly what we’re going to do next season as well.”
That mentality perhaps best explains why Sundowns remain convinced their project is far from complete.
For a club that has already conquered South Africa repeatedly, the focus now appears firmly fixed on building an era capable of dominating Africa on a consistent basis once again.