Pitso Mosimane not surprised by Sundowns record Caf Champions League win

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says his side’s record victory in the Caf Champions League did not come as a surprise.

The Tshwane giants completed a 16-1 aggregate win over Seychelles outfit Cote d’Or after thumping them 11-0 in the home leg of their preliminary round tie, building on a 5-1 away victory.

Record victory for Mamelodi Sundowns

This saw them break the record for the highest number of goals scored in a single Caf Champions League match, also ensuring qualification for the group stage of the continent’s premier club competition once more.

Speaking of the match, Mosimane praised his charges for maintaining their intensity, even after victory was almost a certainty.

“I was not surprised with the score because I saw already in Seychelles that we had an opportunity to score early. What’s good about the game is that we spoke with the guys before the match that we need to practice some of the things we always do,” Mosimane said.

“And because the resistance from the opposition was not strong, we achieved some of the things we are always talking about and planning to do. What’s more important is that you could see every time we scored there was an urgency to go again, which showed respect for the Sundowns badge and our supporters. That was very good professionalism. They really made sure they don’t play for ball possession and sit on the ball as long as we want. We had agreed that we are going to score.”

Pitso Mosimane

Mosimane’s opposite number, James Barra was also impressed with how the men in yellow outclassed his own side.

“We learnt so many things. These guys are good. They move so quick. The ball is played so quick. The movement of the ball is good. We learnt a lot,” Barra said.

James Barra

Focus returns to domestic league

Sundowns are in search of a second continmental title, having won the Caf Champions League in 2016.

The Brazilians fell short on their last attempt, as they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Wydad Athletic Club in the semifinals.

They now switch their attention back to their pursuit of a record tenth domestic league title – and an unprecedented in a row – where they are set to take part in midweek action.

Sundowns travel to Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday evening, where they will come up against Black Leopards. Kick off is at 19:30.