Mamelodi Sundowns supporters have had a lot of success in recent years, but it seems that head coach Rulani Mokwena has not immediately told Masandawana followers to lower their expectations, especially in the Caf Champions League.
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Downs got off to a good start in the Champions League group stages when they beat Al-Hilal 1-0 last weekend as they hope to win the so-called “holy grail” for a second time.
But Mokwena says the team is not good enough to win the continental crown this season.
“We want to win the Champions League and we have to work hard for it, it won’t be handed to us on a silver platter.
“Maybe it won’t happen this season, but we will try. We are here for the long term and look at the recruitment and promotion of young players.
“We have to try and make sure we do our best in every competition,” Mokwena said.
Sundowns’ next opponent is Cotonsport this Friday in Cameroon. After that, Downs will travel to Egypt to face rivals and record holders, Al-Ahly.
“We have sent an advanced team to try and improve the logistics context,” explained Mokwena.
We’re very experienced in that space and we’ve ticked a lot of boxes,” he said, but said the team had yet to discuss where it would be best to finish in the group.
In the past three seasons, Sundowns have finished top of the group but have always bombed in the quarter-finals. Last season Bafana Ba Style lost to Petro Atletico, but before that, Al-Ahly was their achilles heel.
“We have two games coming up and it’s very important to try and put ourselves in a good position.
“We have set targets and we are progressing slowly. We have not said whether we want to finish first or second, but the important thing is to try to win every game, because that is the culture of the club.
“We are making improvements slowly but surely,” said the Sundowns mentor.