The 2023/24 Caf Champions League semi-finalists Mamelodi Sundowns have been pooled with Botola Pro heavyweights Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat in Group B.
It is a tough group that is completed with the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit Maniema Union. Having exited the Champions League in the semi-final in the last two editions, coach Manqoba Mngqithi hopes to get one over his predecessor Rulani Mokwena.
Midfielder Neo Maema is already excited with the draw but is keen to make a statement with Masandawana.
‘It is a good Caf Champions League draw… it will test Masandawana'
“The draw is exciting. I mean, we got two teams from Morocco, a very good footballing nation,” Maema told the media.
One team that we previously played, Maniema from DRC, I think it is a good draw. It will test how far we are and how good we start the season. Bad results in the MTN8, but we started the league well. It will test how far our goals are to reach the final.
“Losing the last two editions in the semifinal is hurting. It is not even about how we did wrong on the day.”
Maema is adamant Sundowns have learned
The South Africa international is convinced the Premier Soccer League defending champions have learned from their previous undoings.
“If you check two seasons ago, we didn't even lose any match, it was only away goals against us, and last term we did our best,” Maema continued.
“But coming to this season, we don't want to repeat promising our supporters that we will do better, but we are an ambitious team and Sundowns stand for dominating and we make sure that this season we make it a point that it is more personal for ourselves first before we give the responsibility to our fans there.”
Sundowns start their campaign on November 26 against Maniema before making a trip to North Africa to play AS FAR Rabat.