Mamelodi Sundowns have captured the imagination of the nation.
They have us all dreaming of
continental glory after winning the CAF Champions League final first leg 3-0 against Zamalek.
Their first star is loading BUT there is still a second leg to come.
Pitso Mosimane will want to keep his team firmly focused and make sure their feet stay on the ground because anything can happen in Egypt.
Masandawana will face a hostile crowd and probably some lazers when they go to try and claim the title of African champions on
Sunday night in Alexandria.
It’s not that it can’t be done.
In fact, if any team knows how to go there and win it’s Sundowns since they already won there 2-1 just three months ago in a Group B game.
And if they play like they did on Saturday in Tshwane then it’s a given.
The stands were a sea of yellow as people packed the Lucas Moripe stadium.
And Sundowns had us all in dreamland when they scored twice in nine minutes thanks to superb goals from Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langermann.
By the time Islam Gamal put the ball into the back of his own net after good work from Percy Tau, the team in yellow had the rainbow nation dreaming.
There’s a couple of things Patrice Motsepe and the Downs brains trust must now get it right.
First, it’s keep the players humble and hungry.
Secondly, they must ensure Downs’ trip to and stay in Egypt is as smooth as
possible, they can have no airport waits or hotel problems; this is crucial.
Thirdly, they must fork out for a contingent of Kabo Yellow faithful to go and be the 12th man should things get rough on Sunday.
But for me there are two facts that show this Downs win is written in the stars.
In 1995 Orlando Pirates lost a cup final to Wits before winning the
Champions League. Downs have just lost to Wits in the MTN8.
The Brazilians kept a clean sheet on
Saturday and that was only the second time in any leg of a CAF CL final that an SA team managed to not concede.
The last time that
happened? Pirates in 1995.
It’s destiny for Downs this weekend.