Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has issued a stern warning to Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat following his side's latest setback in the CAF Champions League.
The South African champions are yet to secure a win in the group stage, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Their latest result, a 1-1 draw against AS FAR Rabat, followed a disappointing 0-0 draw against Maniema Union in their opening match.
Mngqithi has vowed that their upcoming clash against Raja Casablanca will be a pivotal moment. He promises a formidable challenge for the Moroccan champions when they visit Loftus Versfeld Stadium on December 15th.
MNGQITHI ON RAJA CASABLANCA CLASH
“It’s another chapter that we have to look at very closely,” said Mngqithi. “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.”
Mngqithi acknowledged the commendable performance of his team in Rabat despite the dropped points.
He expressed confidence that Hubert Velud's Raja Casablanca side will face a stern test when they visit Pretoria on January 17, 2025, to face the passionate Yellow Nation.
MNGQITHI’S PROMISE TO AS FAR RABAT
“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.”
