Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he doesn’t wish to meet Orlando Pirates, TP Mazembe and Al Ahly in the knockout stages of the Caf Champions League.
The Brazilians boss says he would like to finish at the top of Group A as they look to secure the full three points in their next match against Asec Mimosas in Abidjan on Tuesday.
“We want to finish at the top of the group at the end of the group stages because those who finish at the top will be put aside as well as those who finish second,” Mosimane said to Isolezwe.
“History tells us that Wydad (Casablanca) or Sundowns can finish at the top, but you cannot say that until we finish our group matches because football is unpredictable,” he added.
Sundowns are fighting for the top spot with Casablanca in Group A. The Ravens are in Group C while the Buccaneers are up in arms against Esperance in Group B. The Red Devils of Egypt are in Group D.
Next Match
However, ‘Jingles’ says history favours fellow Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaigners, Pirates and Tunisian giants, Esperance to finish at the top.
“History shows us that Al Ahly will finish as number one whilst history tells us that Pirates or Esperance can finish at the top. On the other hand, history says Mazembe can finish at the summit,” he explained.
“You need those three teams (Mazembe, Pirates, Ahly) to be on the other side (pot) because you know you will be drawn against one of them,” explained the 2016 African champion coach.
Moreover, the Tshwane giants’ mentor revealed that he would not like to meet Mazembe, Pirates and Al Ahly as well as the reigning continental champions, Esperance in the next phase of the competition.
“I just hope I will not be drawn against Mazembe, Pirates and Ahly and Esperance. I will be happy to be with them in the same pot because that means we will be drawn against other teams,” he continued.
“Winning in Abidjan will help us a lot, especially if we beat Lobi Stars at home so that we can go to Casablanca with no pressure of getting a point or a win,” concluded Mosimane.