Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba is optimistic about the Brazilians’ chances of lifting the coveted CAF Champions League trophy this season, with the club’s last and only continental glory dating back to 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.

The Tshwane giants will lock horns with last season’s losing finalists Esperance de Tunis at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Miguel Cardoso’s men will then travel to Tunisia for the second leg of the quarterfinals clash a week later.

Since the 2018/19 campaign, Sundowns reached the quarterfinals of Africa’s elite club competition four times while making it to the semi-finals on three occasions. However, despite their ability to reach the knockout stages, Masandawana often choke in the latter stages of the competition.

Now, the Downs left-back says they always address their weakness on the continent as they are determined to break the hoodoo. Moreover, the ex-SuperSport United player believes the club made the right investments into the squad, boosting their chances of reigning supreme in Africa.

“I think we do talk about that [shortcoming] every season; we always fall short in the semi-finals or the quarterfinals, but we know these games are not easy. We fight every season to bring that second star,” said Modiba.

“And we know how difficult the Champions League competition is, but I think right now we have a good squad, a good team that’s ready to fight, and a technical team that’s helping us. 

“Hopefully, this season we can go all the way because we really want to participate in the finals – when you participate in finals you have a chance of winning the competition.” 

Following a runners-up finish behind AS FAR of Morocco in the group stages, the South African champions face the daunting reality of playing the crucial return leg on the road in a scenario. Modiba believes a win on home soil is a must.

“We are going to take each game as it comes. We are focused on tomorrow’s game and hopefully, we will get a good result, especially at home because I think last season we lost at home, ” the 29-year-old added.

“We want to win our home games so that we give ourselves a better chance in the second round. So, hopefully we will win our home game, and we still have that away goal rule, so those are the things we need to take into consideration when playing this game.

“Hopefully, this season can be better, and we will go all the way. We are just going to take each game as it comes.’

Modiba, who has won seven trophies with the Chloorkop-based outfit since joining in 2020, will be keen to add to his 26 appearances he has so far made across all competitions this term with four assists in the process.