Mosa Lebusa, the defender for Mamelodi Sundowns, has emphasized the importance of containing Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele in the upcoming first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Mayele, who played a crucial role in eliminating Orlando Pirates with a brace in the semi-final, has been in exceptional form, scoring eight goals in 11 matches to propel the Egyptian side into their maiden Champions League final.
Lebusa and his teammates understand that silencing the prolific Congolese forward will be vital if Sundowns are to clinch their second continental crown and their first since securing the title in 2016.
“We don’t focus on one player. We focus on the team as a whole and try to keep as far away from our box as possible,” Lebusa stated at the club’s Chloorkop headquarters.
“We have to ensure that we minimize their chances because in and around the box, he’s (Mayele) very deadly. That’s one aspect we’re focusing on, and hopefully, we will succeed. We’ve been studying their games, and it’s evident that they deserve to be where they are.”
Maintaining a flawless defensive record at home during the knockout stages, Masandawana kept clean sheets against Espérance and Al-Ahly in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Lebusa believes that another solid defensive performance will be crucial in their pursuit of securing Africa’s most prestigious club trophy, a title that has eluded them for the past nine years.
“Any result where we don’t concede will be positive. We aim to keep a clean sheet at home because we know that when we play away, we always have a goal in us,” he added.
“We’ll focus on keeping them away from our goal, and if we can score, it will be a bonus for us. We’ve felt like the trophy was within our reach every season, but we couldn’t progress past the semi-finals.”
However, Lebusa emphasized the importance of staying composed and not placing unnecessary pressure on themselves as they approach the final.
“We are aware of how close we are, and it’s up to us as players to ensure that we bring the trophy home,” he concluded.
In conclusion, Mosa Lebusa’s words highlight the team’s collective approach and determination to secure victory in the upcoming CAF Champions League final. Their focus on defensive solidity and strategic analysis of their opponents demonstrate their readiness to compete at the highest level. With the championship within reach, Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to overcome the challenge posed by Pyramids FC and claim the coveted title.
