The return of Themba Zwane seems imminent, as Miguel Cardoso provides injury updates ahead of their Caf Champions League semi-final against Al Ahly - 'Tomorrow we’ll have a more detailed information on who is unavailable'

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld. This crucial encounter marks a defining moment in Sundowns' pursuit of continental glory.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso addressed the media during a pre-match press conference, providing updates on the team’s injury list. He mentioned that key players like Themba Zwane are being closely monitored, with final decisions expected after the final training session.

Masandawana will be hoping to take advantage of their home turf before the tough return leg in Cairo. The squad is confident, fueled by recent domestic dominance and a strong Champions League campaign.

“We have [Lebo] Mothiba that is for some time still in the process of integration in the team,” he said in the pre-match press conference at Chioorkop on Thursday afternoon as reported by iDiski Times.

“[Siyabonga] Mabena that is also under some certain conditions and all the ones are in the process of recovering. So tomorrow we’ll have a more detailed information on who is unavailable to 100% to make the game.

“The condition is we get everybody so that we don’t compromise this stage for the second [leg] of the semi-final.

“So tomorrow we’ll decide. There are still some small details to see after today’s session there were some players with some restraints and only tomorrow we’ll have a chance to understand if they will be available or not for the game.

“It’s important that we understand that we will not make decisions that can compromise the season of the players – there is a lot more to go.”

Sundowns have a solid home record against Al Ahly, having won their last three meetings in South Africa. They’ll be aiming to maintain that form as they push toward a second star on their badge.

Last season, the Pretoria-based side were eliminated at this very stage by Esperance, a side they had previously knocked out in the quarter-finals.

This year’s semi-final presents a chance for redemption and to cement their place as Africa’s elite.

Sundowns must now focus on getting a positive result in the home leg before traveling to Cairo for the second leg. A win or clean sheet would give them an upper hand heading into the hostile environment in Egypt.

The squad understands the magnitude of this tie and the opportunity presented to reach the final, as per Jayden Adams' own comments in the same press conference.

Winning the CAF Champions League would cap off a strong season and solidify their continental legacy ahead of the Fifa Club World Cup in June.