The post All clear: Sundowns finally allowed to land in Morocco ahead of Champions League final appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>After days of uncertainty and growing concern, Sundowns have officially received their landing permit and safely departed South Africa for North Africa ahead of the crucial clash.
The travel issues had sparked anxiety among supporters and football followers across the continent, with fears that logistical delays could disrupt preparations for one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
In an even bigger boost for Masandawana, supporters travelling to Morocco also received their passports and visas in time for the trip.
The development comes as a huge relief for everyone involved, especially after frustrations mounted earlier this week regarding travel documentation and permit clearances.
Sundowns will now be able to focus fully on the football as they prepare for a tough battle against the Moroccan giants on enemy soil.
The South African champions carry the hopes of many African football lovers as they continue their quest for continental glory.
With travel matters finally sorted, the stage is now set for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Morocco this weekend.
Sundowns have a 1-0 advantage going to Sunday’s game, and will need at least a draw to clinch their second Champions League title.
The post All clear: Sundowns finally allowed to land in Morocco ahead of Champions League final appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>The post Modiba admits Sundowns still ‘hoping and praying’ league title appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>This is despite the team being involved in a crucial CAF Champions League final. And the destiny of the Betway Premiership is out of their hands now.
Modiba scored the only goal as Sundowns defeated AS FAR 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
But while the Brazilians were focused on continental business, they were also keeping a close eye on the title race involving Orlando Pirates.
Pirates were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Durban City on Saturday — a result that keeps Sundowns’ slim league hopes alive heading into the final round of fixtures.
Modiba admitted the players were following the Pirates’ result closely.
“Yeah, no, obviously, when it was a draw, we were watching that game,” said Modiba.
“When it was a draw, we still believed, we always believe, anything can happen — but we also know the quality of Orlando Pirates, how bad they want the league.”
Despite Pirates remaining favourites to lift the title, Sundowns have not completely given up hope.
The Buccaneers still need a positive result against Orbit College FC in their final match to officially seal the championship.
Modiba says Sundowns will continue believing until the very end.
“Hopefully, in the last game against Orbit, they will have the same result, so we’ll just hope and pray. We always believe, you must always believe, so yeah, we believe,” he added.
Sundowns are chasing a ninth consecutive league title, but after surrendering top spot earlier in the season, they now face the real possibility of seeing Pirates end their dominance.
However, the Tshwane giants have placed themselves in a strong position to soften that blow after moving one step closer to CAF Champions League glory.
The post Modiba admits Sundowns still ‘hoping and praying’ league title appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>The post Nuno Santos sends strong message after Sundowns title setback appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>Masandawana are gearing up for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. They go into the game soon after a painful 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership earlier this week.
That defeat handed Orlando Pirates fresh hope in the title race and increased pressure on Miguel Cardoso’s side.
However, Santos says the focus inside the Sundowns camp has now completely shifted to continental football.
“Every game is difficult, not only this one, but all the previous matches in the Champions League were difficult,” Santos said.
“We know the responsibility that we have, and I think our focus has now moved to the first leg of the Champions League final. So we cannot do anything to change what happened before.”
Despite recent setbacks, the Portuguese midfielder reminded critics that Sundowns are still leading the Betway Premiership standings.
“We are top of the log right now — that’s what we know,” he said. “The players, the coach, and the club want to win this trophy so that we can give that joy to our supporters.”
Santos also admitted that Sundowns need to urgently fix their defensive issues after conceding seven goals in their last two matches.
The midfielder expects AS FAR to present a completely different challenge compared to previous opponents.
“They are different, and we expect a very physical game,” he explained. “We experienced many different environments this season — Mali, Nigeria, Congo, Tunis, and Algiers. Every team and every environment was different.
“But we are Mamelodi Sundowns, and we have to be ready for anything that comes our way in the final,” added Santos.
The post Nuno Santos sends strong message after Sundowns title setback appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>