As the clock ticks down to tonight’s crucial CAF Champions League semi-final second leg, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has issued a powerful message to the entire nation: unite behind the team.

Sundowns face an uphill battle at Loftus Stadium (20:00) as they seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit against ES Esperance. The plea for national support extends beyond Williams, with DJ Khaled, Springbok double World Cup winners – Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe all urging South Africans to unite behind the team.

Sundowns aim to become the first South African side to reach the Champions League final for the third time, and Williams is calling for a united front.

“I urge all of South Africa to get behind us,” Williams declared. “Not just the Yellow Nation, but everyone. Let’s do this for South Africa, for South African football. We’re competing with the best, and with your support, Sundowns can go all the way. This will only elevate South African football.”

Williams emphasizes Sundowns’ role in setting a high standard. “We’ve raised the bar in Africa,” he said. “Now, let’s get behind Sundowns as a nation. Put aside your club loyalties aside for a day. Support us – we’re not just doing this for ourselves, but for the next generation. We want them to dream big, to aspire to play in the Champions League.”

“When I started, I dreamt of winning the league and the Nedbank Cup. Now, I dream of the Champions League, the AFL, and the AFCON. This is about giving the next generation even bigger dreams than what we’ve had,” Williams continued.

“Sundowns is a pillar of South African football right now. I urge everyone to get behind the team, to support Masandawana, the Yellow Nation. Let your drums beat loud from the first minute to the last. Every minute counts – yours in the stands, and ours on the pitch. We need that energy for the full 96 minutes.”

Sundowns reached the semi-finals after a penalty shootout win against Young Africans, with Williams again a key figure. He added, “If penalties come again, make even more noise when they take theirs. They did it to us in Tunisia to create a hostile environment. Let’s return the favor. It’s tough playing in these places, but we can do this together.”

The Sundowns squad boasts only two survivors from their 2016 Champions League triumph: Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango. Tonight, they aim to create a new chapter in the club’s history, and they’re calling on the entire nation to join them on the journey.