Makhudubela says Yanga have nothing to lose against Sundowns as they go in as underdogs

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Young Africans winger Mahlatse Makhudubela believes his side has nothing to lose in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash against PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns, as they come into the match as underdogs. Yanga will welcome Masandawana at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday, 30 March 2024 for the first leg of the last eight tie. The Tanzanian giants finished as runners up in Group D behind defending champions Al Ahly, to make only their third appearance in the last eight of Africa’s premier club football competition. Sundowns dominated group A, claiming top spot with four wins from six matches and continue with their bid for a first CAF Champions League title since 2016.

Makhudubela, a former Sundowns academy player, will face his former side alongside coach Miguel Gamondi who guided the Brazilians to a league title in 2007. Speaking to the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) on Wednesday, the skilfull winger believes his side have nothing to lose against Sundowns as they will go in as underdogs.

“We come in here as the underdogs, we have nothing to lose. We made history in reaching the quarterfinal for the first time in I don’t know how many years in this clubs existence,” said Makhudubela.

“There’s a lot at stake for us, we just gonna go out there and try and match them in both legs ofcourse, they play good football we know they are a highly tactical and technical team so we are looking foward to a great evening on Saturday.”

Sundowns have built a good reputation on the continent in the past decade as they reguarly compete with the best teams in Africa, and Makhudubela has highlighted the amount of respect that Tanzanians have for Rhulani Mokwena’s team.

“Mamelodi Sundowns is respected, yeah well we respect every opponent that we play with but the respect that is given to Mamelodi Sundowns is that of big letters,” said Makhubudbela.

“We have seen what they can do, you don’t just go there and say jah we go at Mamelodi Sundowns. You have to be tactical, we have done our studies and they have done their studies (on us). We know their weak points we know where their strengths are, we see that as teammates.We know where there will be difficulties, and you know as you said pound to pound, we’ll be player to player, we know the most influential players in their attack, their vulnerabilities in defence, we’ve discussed those things.” Makhudubela added.

Picture: FARPost