Hope springs eternal for Sundowns ahead of epic clash against Pitso's 'Team of the Century'

Cape Town — Hope springs eternal as Mamelodi Sundowns braced themselves for Saturday's CAF Champions League blockbuster against Al Ahly, the ‘Team of the Century', at the Cairo International Stadium (kick-off at 9pm, live on SuperSport).

The South Africans are faced with the daunting prospect of facing the most successful football club in African history. CAF (Confederation of African Football) voted the Cairo-based club the African club of the 20th century. But this has not deterred upbeat Rulani Mokwena, co-coach of Sundowns, who remains hopeful after being inspired by the disposition of players at training this week.

"When you look at where our players are, you see smiles on their faces every day," said Mokwena. "When you look at their eyes, there is a sense of relaxation, a good sense of anticipation.

ALSO READ: Pitso Mosimane gets to share a two-hour long chat with ex-Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger

“Sometimes with the universe, you have got to also put yourself in a position where the universe can think about you when it thinks about who to favour, hence the language of work ethic.”

Apart from the demeanour of the players, Mokwena was charmed by the team's posh training base in Alexandria. After last week's goalless draw against Sudan's Al-Merrikh in Cairo, Sundowns travelled northwards on a two-hour bus trip to Alexandria to set up camp at a world-class facility.

"In Alexandria, we found a home, a facility that I think we will probably start adopting a lot more, not just for the Champions League but for pre-season as a camp," said Mokwena.

ALSO READ: Are Mamelodi Sundowns the favourites going into the CAF clash with Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly ?

“It’s a facility that’s been used by teams like Atletico Madrid. The