Sundowns Call for Roaring Crowd Against Esperance
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has issued a passionate plea to the club’s fans, urging them to create a hostile atmosphere for ES Esperance in Friday’s crucial CAF Champions League semi-final second leg (20:00).
Sundowns desperately need to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Tunisia. To avoid another semi final exit from the competition like last season’s defeat to Wydad Casablanca, Mokwena emphasizes the importance of a strong start and early goals to unsettle the opposition.
Interestingly, while Sundowns dominated the first leg, Esperance chose to observe the African giants from the comfort of their Pretoria hotel after Sundowns fielded a fringe in their recent DStv Premiership match against Sekhukhune United on Tuesday. Mokwena clearly prioritized this Champions League clash, aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2016.
“This is a big match,” Mokwena declared.
“I plead with Sundowns supporters to come in numbers and support and sing, beat the drums because we need them. This is a game we need them again, Champions League. More than anything else, it is about the 12th man and this stadium (Loftus) has to be full, has to be buzzing, has to be extremely intimidating for the opponents. Without that, we are in a little bit of trouble.
“We know we can do it in front of our people. We love them and we will fight for them, sacrifice and die for them.”
