Modiba Demands CAF Champions League Title Defense
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba has set his sights on defending the CAF Champions League title as the Brazilians target another opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best teams.
Modiba’s determination was strengthened after Sundowns booked their place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last weekend.
Sundowns earned their place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after winning the CAF Champions League earlier this year, while Al Ahli qualified after winning the Asian Champions League.
The victory over Al Ahli saw the African and Asian champions go head-to-head, with Sundowns coming out on top to continue their international campaign.
“I think for us, it is important to participate in these tournaments because, if you play for Mamelodi Sundowns, you always want to compete against the best teams,” he said.
“I’m glad we managed to compete against Al Ahli, and hopefully we can continue competing in this tournament in the future.
“Winning the Champions League means you have to compete in these tournaments, so for us, we need to defend our Champions League title and be back here again.
“We also still have the CAF Super Cup and another game in the FIFA competition, so we just have to make sure we continue working so that we can compete at this level.”
The Brazilians will begin their Champions League title defence against Angolan side Wiliete S.C. in the second preliminary round.
The first leg will be played in Angola on 17 October, before the return leg takes place in Pretoria on 24 October.
Sundowns will not only be looking to defend their Champions League crown but will also be aiming to win the competition for the third time in the club’s history.
The Pretoria-based side first lifted the trophy in 2016 under the guidance of current Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane before securing their second title earlier this year.
The Brazilians are the South African club with the most CAF Champions League titles and hold the same distinction among clubs from the COSAFA region.
