Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has set ambitious goals for the upcoming season, aiming to push the team further.
While the Tshwane giants secured both the DStv Premiership and the inaugural African Football League title, some believe their exceptional squad has the potential for even greater achievements.
Sundowns came up short in two cup finals – MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, losing both matches to Orlando Pirates. Meanwhile, they were knocked out of the Carling Knockout Cup by TS Galaxy in the first round.
They lost in the semifinal of the CAF Champions, eliminated by Tunisian giants Esperance in the semifinal.
Speaking during the interview on Power FM, Mokwena said Masandawana were aiming to win all domestic cup competitions and surpass the number of points they reached in the DStv Premiership last season.
Furthermore, he emphasised that their primary aim is to reach the final of the CAF Champions League, as they aspire to position themselves for victory.
RULANI MOKWENA – WHERE SUNDOWNS WANT TO IMPROVE NEXT SEASON
“We need to do better than this season next season,” said Mokwena.
“Better than this season means MTN8 we were in the final and we lost on penalties, it means it means winning the MTN8. The league title means we need to surpass the number of points that we have accumulated and to win it again.
“The Champions League, it means we have to win the Champions League. But I say to you and I’m very realistic in that sense that next season, we need to be in the final.
“We must be in the final, to show progress and to show that we’ve developed and improved. We must be in the final of the Champions League and to give ourselves a chance to win the Champions League.
“You can’t say you want to win the Champions League, but you’re not in the final of that Champions League. Because we’ve done two back-to-back semifinals, so for me it’s the final of the Champions League.
“And then the Carling Black Label Cup, we need to do better than the first round [exit] and the Nedbank Cup it’s to do better than losing in the final and that is to win it.”
Sundowns will also be in the FIFA Club World Cup which will be held in USA in June 2025. They will be representing African continent along Wydad Casablanca, Al Ahly and Esperance.
