Cape Town – Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende believes his side is hitting its stride just in time for the 2025–26 CAF Champions League, saying they understand exactly what it will take to go all the way.
Allende expressed optimism that a strong opening result in their group will set the tone for their campaign.
“The performance of the team has been improving … We were knocked out of the two competitions in a penalty shootout,” Allende said, reflecting on their slow domestic start.
He argued that what the team needs now is to take the continental tournament “game by game, and the most important one is this weekend.”
He added: “We must not lose focus on the group stages. We have to focus on the matches first so we can reach the final.”
His remarks echo what he told the iDiski Times, where he emphasised the importance of maintaining the right mindset. “We know how to arrive to the final … we start this weekend – we know there’s small details we need to get right,” he said.
Ahead of their group-stage opener against Saint-Éloi Lupopo, Allende said they are “well prepared, and … ready to start with the three points.”
Under coach Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns have also been warned to guard against potential gamesmanship from their DRC opponents. As Cardoso told the media, players must remain composed, no matter what unfolds on the pitch.
Allende echoed that, saying: “Our focus is only on the game … play our game, implement our ideas and move the ball fast, take our chances we create. … We’re here to play football, get three points … that’s the most important thing.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
