Mamelodi Sundowns aim to extend their domestic dominance into the CAF Champions League when they travel to face Wiliete in Angola this Sunday. The first-leg tie in Lubango is a key step as the club seeks to carry its formidable local momentum onto the continental stage.
Mamelodi Sundowns have made the knockout rounds in 10 of the last 11 Champions League campaigns, including the last eight in a row. This pedigree is backed by current domestic supremacy. The team sits first in the Premier Soccer League standings with 23 points from nine games, holding a one-point lead over Orlando Pirates. Their recent form reads four wins and a draw from the last five matches, a run that includes a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay last week and the MTN8 trophy secured with a 2-0 win over Pirates. That 4-1 win over Richards Bay on Tuesday 13 October featured goals from Tashreeq Matthews, a brace from Iqraam Rayners, and Fawaaz basadien. The team's overall record this season is seven wins and two draws, with 23 goals scored and only eight conceded, giving them a goal difference of plus fifteen. They are currently on a three-game winning run, with recent results including a 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates on Saturday 10 October, where Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners scored.
Wiliete earned their place by finishing second in Angola's Girabola last season, behind Petro de Luanda. They then dispatched Seychelles side Foresters Mont Fleuri 5-0 on aggregate in the preliminary round. Domestically, they are in strong shape, topping their league table after six games with five wins and a draw.
The match kicks off at 5 p.m. CAT on Sunday, October 18, at the Estádio Nacional da Tundavala. Head coach Miguel Cardoso is easing defender Mothobi Mvala back into action after a long layoff, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena has featured recently despite carrying knocks. Wiliete are expected to field a lineup including goalkeeper Nayan, defender Júnior Goiano, and midfielder Boucar Sidibé.
After this continental fixture, Sundowns' focus returns to the league and a home match against Durban City on November 1 fixtures. Durban City currently sit 11th in the table. The team's top scorer this season is T. Matthews with three goals in nine appearances.
The report in full is at vodacomsoccer.com
