EXCL: 'Facing Orlando Pirates isn’t ideal but I’d welcome it, It’ll be a huge clash' – Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mngomeni on potential Caf Champions League last-eight draw against Bucs

The Caf Champions League draw will take place on February 20 in Doha, Qatar.

It has been a while since two South African clubs reached the knockout stages, and there is a strong possibility of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates clashing in the quarterfinals.

Sundowns finished second in their group, while Pirates topped theirs, setting up a potential showdown between the two giants.

Former Sundowns attacker Thando Mngomeni has weighed in on the possible fixture.

His older brother, Thabo Mngomeni, played for Pirates, making this matchup even more intriguing.

The draw could reignite a fierce rivalry between the two sides.

Mngomeni weighed in on the potential showdown, expressing mixed feelings about facing Pirates this early in the competition.

Speaking exclusively to GOAL, he shared his thoughts on the possibility of an all-South African quarterfinal.

“Playing Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals is not ideally what I’m looking for,” he admitted. “I would love to see an all-South African final, but if the draw pairs us with Pirates now, we’ll welcome it. It will be a huge clash."

“Playing Pirates is a big game. The players don’t need motivation for that one,” he said.

“For the country, it’s huge—South Africa being represented in a continental competition at this level is special. It’s been a while since both teams were in this position, with only Mamelodi Sundowns consistently flying the flag for the nation. But it’s great for Pirates, great for South African football, especially with AFCON coming up—it shows that our football is on the rise.”

However, Mngomeni’s confidence in Sundowns is unwavering.

“For me, Pirates are our daily bread, man,” he said with a chuckle.

“We beat them 4-1 last time. Any given time they come, they are our daily bread, our popping place. So for me, it’s another win. But like I said, I would have preferred facing them in the final. If the draw gives us Pirates now, we take them out, go to the semis, book our spot in the final, and bring the second star home. I feel like this is our year.”

A potential clash between Pirates and Sundowns in the knockout phase of this competition highlights the growth of South African football.

With Bafana Bafana featuring many players from both clubs, this success benefits the national team.

Their strong performances in the Caf Champions League will help prepare the squad for Afcon 2025 in Morocco.

It also provides an advantage ahead of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers in March.

The competition is a great platform for South African football to gain continental and global recognition.

Both teams remain locked in a tight PSL title race.

Pirates shift focus to their clash against Golden Arrows, aiming to close the gap at the top.

Sundowns face Marumo Gallants as they look to extend their lead.

The Caf Champions League draw will determine their quarterfinal fate.

Regardless of the outcome, both sides will aim to dominate on domestic and continental fronts.