Komphela calls for courage as Mamelodi Sundowns chase CAF glory in Cairo
Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela, speaking during the Carling Black Label announcement of a collaboration with champions Mamelodi Sundowns, for competing in the Fifa Club World Cup. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Senior coach Steve Komphela says Mamelodi Sundowns must remember what helped them overcome past challenges as they head into the final stretch to reclaim the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns will face Pyramids in the second leg of the final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night (kick-off 7pm). The Brazilians travel to Egypt on the back foot, having conceded during their 1–1 draw with Pyramids in the first leg, giving the Egyptian side a valuable away goal.
Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring for the hosts early in the second half, but a lapse in concentration saw Walid El Karti net a late equaliser for the visitors. However, if any team can score and possibly win outright in North Africa, it's Sundowns.
Final session before we jet off to Cairo. All focused on the mission ahead. 😤#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/iVukUj98yG — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 27, 2025
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During their impressive run on the continent, the Brazilians held firm in away matches in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. They drew 0–0 with Esperance of Tunisia in the quarter-final second leg, advancing 1–0 on aggregate. In the semi-finals, they hosted Al Ahly in a goalless first leg before securing a 1–1 draw in Cairo, progressing on the away goals rule.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Carling Black Label partnership event with Sundowns ahead of the Fifa Club World Cup in the US, Komphela encouraged his players to channel their previous heroics in Cairo.
'I think beyond experience – it's what we felt in Tunisia and Egypt against Al Ahly,' said Komphela.
'There's something intangible – courage. The team reached another level of bravery which, if we can recall it, we can come back.
'We have enough quality. All we need to do is respect the game, reflect on what we did over the weekend, identify areas for improvement, and apply more effort.
'We need to reaffirm what we are known for. We'll need to summon a lot of courage, because it won't be easy!'
Sundowns have dominated domestic football, having won the Betway Premiership for a record-extending eighth successive time. With their semi-final curse in the Champions League now broken, expectations are high for them to clinch a second continental title in nine years.
Komphela, however, insists they will not be weighed down by expectations.
'Pressure is a privilege for us,' he said.
'If you view pressure as something negative, you won't perform. But if you see it as a pleasure, you get the opportunity to test your strength and run your own race.
'You need to assess your capacity against your challenges, and if you succeed, it's an upgrade. If not, you say: let me come back stronger.'
𝑹𝑶𝑨𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑶𝑭 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳𝑺 🌍🏆
After the battle in the first leg, Denis Onyango stands firm in his belief in the team. Vila shares his insights, knowing the team shines bright away from home and Hazel Ramoone carries the voice of the supporters, reminding… pic.twitter.com/fShbmSnmMl — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 26, 2025
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