Mamelodi Sundowns full back Aubrey Modiba emphasized the importance of participating in prestigious tournaments, including the CAF Champions League. The team's recent victory in the Fifa African-Asia-Pacific Cup against Al-Ahli Saudi 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld has boosted their morale. This win has also secured their progression to the next round of the competition. Modiba expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their motivation to defend their title.
The Brazilians' success in the Fifa African-Asia-Pacific Cup has earned them a spot in the semifinal, where they will face the winner of the derby of the Americas match between Mexican club Toluca and the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores champions. Modiba stressed that winning the Champions League puts the team in a good position, allowing them to compete in more significant tournaments. The team's ultimate goal is to return to the Fifa Intercontinental Cup.
Modiba, 31, highlighted the benefits of participating in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup, including exposure to a global audience of over 200 countries. He believes this exposure will help increase awareness about African football, particularly in South Africa. The team's participation in the World Cup has already raised their profile, and Modiba is eager to maintain this momentum by competing in more significant tournaments.
The Fifa Intercontinental Cup also provides a platform for Sundowns' players to showcase their talents to a broader audience. Modiba noted that this exposure has already led to opportunities for players to join clubs abroad. The team's success in the competition has set a high standard, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena believes they deserve to play against top teams like Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Mokoena expressed his desire to face PSG in the final, citing the team's impressive performance as a justification for their spot in the competition. Sundowns' next match is against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on October 10, after the international break. The team will look to build on their momentum and make a strong impression in the upcoming match.
Modiba reiterated the importance of defending their CAF Champions League title, which would allow them to participate in more significant tournaments. He emphasized that the team must perform well in all their matches to maintain their position and compete against top teams. The team's success in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup has raised expectations, and Modiba is confident that they can meet these expectations.
The team's recent performances have been impressive, with midfielder Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba playing key roles in their success. As Sundowns look to defend their title and compete in more significant tournaments, they will need to maintain their current form and make strategic decisions to achieve their goals. The team's progress in the competition will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Key points
- Sundowns are motivated to defend their CAF Champions League title to participate in more significant tournaments.
- The team's participation in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup has provided exposure to a global audience of over 200 countries.
- Sundowns' next match is against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on October 10.
