Zwane Urges New Sundowns Stars To Seize Champions League Immortality
Skipper Themba Zwane has reminded the Mamelodi Sundowns squad’s continental newcomers that conquering Africa’s holy grail will permanently etch their names into club folklore.
Zwane and veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango stand as the only two survivors from the legendary 2016 squad that defeated Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate under coach Pitso Mosimane to win the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns will look to defend a 1-0 first-leg lead against FAR Rabat in the Champions League second-leg final this Sunday at Rabat’s 69,500-seater Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Sunday, chasing their second historic African crown despite facing severe pre-match travel disruptions.
While Zwane holds the club record with 81 Champions League appearances, a long-term injury has sidelined him this season since the quarterfinal first leg against Stade Malien.
Despite watching from the sidelines, the 36-year-old veteran understands the immense weight of the fixture.
“I always try to remind the younger and newer players how big this occasion is and the excitement we are going to generate across the country,” Zwane said.
“We have to push ourselves to make history. This group can be remembered for many years, so it’s about reminding them of the importance of this game.”
Returning to a Contentious Ground
The final takes place at a venue already steeped in recent football drama. The Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah hosted the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in January, where Senegal claimed the title amid an ongoing appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Overcoming Flight Chaos in Morocco
The trip north has been anything but smooth sailing for Chloorkop’s finest. Originally scheduled to depart South Africa on Tuesday, the team remained stranded at the airport after Moroccan aviation authorities delayed the issuance of their charter flight permit.
Sundowns finally touched down in North Africa a day later than planned once authorities cleared the flight, forcing the technical team to delay their first tactical training session until Thursday afternoon.
What was Themba Zwane’s Reaction to the Flight Delays?
Having suffered the heartbreak of losing last season’s Champions League final to Pyramids FC, Zwane assured Masandawana faithful that administrative hiccups will not derail their ultimate objective.
“The message to the supporters is to keep supporting us. We really appreciate your messages on social media,” the skipper added.
“We will do our absolute best to win the game, lift this trophy, and make you happy. To the fans traveling to Morocco, we deeply appreciate your effort. We hope to see you singing in the stands—we always feel unstoppable when you are there.”
