“We Enjoy The Pressure”: Williams
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams insists the Brazilians feel zero pressure defending their 1-0 aggregate lead against AS FAR in Sunday’s CAF Champions League final second leg at a sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Sundowns travel to Morocco holding a slender 1-0 advantage after their first-leg victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. However, the Brazilians are fully aware of the difficult task that awaits them, particularly given their past struggles to convert chances in away matches in Morocco.
The Chloorkop-based side is desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s CAF Champions League final heartbreak against Pyramids FC and reclaim continental glory for the first time since 2016, when they lifted the trophy under former coach Pitso Mosimane.
Despite the intimidating atmosphere expected in Rabat, Williams remains confident and believes Sundowns have the experience needed to handle the occasion.
“We enjoy playing in these kinds of atmospheres, in front of sold-out crowds,” said Williams.
“It is what we live for. We enjoy the pressure and the occasion, and that is what comes with playing in a Champions League final.
“We have the experience because we have done it over the past few years. But every game brings its own challenges and opportunities, and we are prepared for every situation the match may throw at us.”
Williams also highlighted the team’s mental strength and growth after several difficult experiences in recent CAF campaigns.
“I think it is going to be a beautiful day for Mamelodi Sundowns,” he added.
“We have worked extremely hard, and we have learned a lot of tough lessons over the past few years. But we kept going, and for us to be here again in back-to-back finals speaks volumes about the mentality within this team.
“So we are prepared. It is going to be a wonderful occasion in front of a sold-out crowd, and that is what we live for. We are looking forward to it.
“This is Africa to the world — showing how colourful we are, the energy we bring, and the unique atmosphere each country creates in its own special way.
“We experienced that during AFCON, and we enjoyed playing in front of passionate crowds because it made the game feel alive. We have also been shown a lot of love this week, and hopefully on Sunday we can celebrate together.”
