Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has fired a warning to Moroccan sides Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat ahead of their CAF Champions League matches.
Sundowns have recorded back-to-back group stage draws with Maniema Union from DR Congo and AS FAR but Mngqithi has seen enough to be convinced that they will slay the two Moroccan sides especially when they meet in South Africa.
The Brazilians started with a goalless draw at home to Maniema Union before a 1-1 stalemate away to AS FAR on Saturday and while their fans are getting worried, the coach is relaxed.
Sundowns coach upbeat despite poor start
“It’s another chapter that we have to look at very closely,” said Mngqithi as per FARPost. “But all I can tell you is that at home, it’s always going to be difficult for any other opponents that play against us.
“At this stage, we have to try to win our matches. And I think we have put ourselves in a very good position.
“And probably fortunate that in the Raja versus Maniema game, there was a draw because I think that puts us in a very good position in the group. One would have loved to have collected six points by now.
“But unfortunately, in football, you must accept. I’m very happy with how my players performed. And I think at home it should be even better.”
Will Mngqithi’s team live up to the promise?
Mngqithi is also counting on the impact of the 12th man as he feels the atmosphere in the stadium can also play a part in pushing his charges while intimidating the opponent.
“It will be very different. It’s a promise I can keep. It will be very different,” added Mngqithi.
“If we could play the way we played against them with all their supporters, making very good noise, I must say, I liked the atmosphere in the stadium. And I think in Pretoria it will be good.”
Sundowns host Raja Casablanca in their next match at the Loftus Versfeld on Sunday December 15.
