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Calm Zwane keeping spirits high ahead of African Champions League second leg

football22 May 2026 05:00| © Mzansi Football
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Themba Zwane© Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane says the team are remaining positive despite their travel setbacks this week as they prepare for the second leg of the African Champions League final against AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday.

Sundowns arrived in Morocco a day later than planned after they had to wait for permission from the authorities for their charter flight to land in the North African nation.

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But Zwane says the team have taken it in their stride as they protect a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Pretoria, given to them by Aubrey Modiba’s stunning free-kick.

“The travel was long, but the mood in the camp is very good,” Zwane said. “Everyone is excited, and we are pushing one another. We had some fun on the flight as well, and we are trying to keep the atmosphere as positive as possible.

“The (training) session was good. We had time to rest and prepare, and before training, we analysed the opponent so we knew what to expect from them. Today was about the tactics of how we are going to approach the game, but also easing ourselves back after the long travel. It was a long journey to get here, but overall everything has gone well.”

Zwane is the sole survivor in the team from the Sundowns side that defeated Zamalek in the 2016 Champions League final, so he understands the magnitude of the feat.

“I always try to remind the younger and newer players how big this occasion is and the excitement it can bring to the whole country,” he said. “We have to push ourselves and try to make history. I think this group can be remembered for many years, so it is important to remind everyone just how significant this game is.”

 

 

Zwane has 81 appearances in the Champions League for Sundowns, the most of any player, but has not featured this season since the first leg of their quarterfinal against Stade Malien.

His experience in what is likely to be a frenzied atmosphere in Rabat could be crucial, though.

Coach Miguel Cardoso admits it could come down more to fighting spirit than beautiful football in the second leg.

“We will fight to make the one-goal advantage enough,” Cardoso said. “A second goal would have been more fair for the level we showed in the first leg. But we are going to take the right energy and approach the second leg seriously.”

 

 

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