Mokwena hopes hostile Orlando Stadium exposure builds Sundowns for Champions League challenges

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena said last week's 1-0 league win against Orlando Pirates at a hostile Orlando Stadium would hold them in good stead for their Champions League adventures.

They kick off their continental campaign on Saturday when they host Sudanese side Al-Hilal at Loftus Versfeld.

Sundowns go into the game on the back of a 15-match unbeaten run in the league, along with having qualified for the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after beating Richards Bay 3-2 on Tuesday.

Sundowns still have to travel to Cairo (Al-Ahly), Garoua (Coton Sport), and Omdurman (Al-Hilal), where they'll experience hostile crowds.

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Sundowns were appreciably the away team, which was the same case in their 1-0 away win against Kaizer Chiefs last month.

Mokwena said the Pirates game gave them several answers they'll need to apply for the better part of their Champions League safari.

"The players know I was very happy with the performance at the Orlando Stadium because as hostile as the game was on Saturday, we were able to defend very well," Mokwena said.

"We kept a clean sheet and that's the type of profile we're going to need at certain times. We're a team that needs to and must suffer to be able to grind results in difficult matches.

"We've shown that we have that mentality and the potential. That's something we're also going to have to bank on in this Champions League."

Mokwena has seen several failed Champions League campaigns with Sundowns, with the quarter-finals being their kryptonite.

They haven't reached the semi-final stage since the 2018/19 edition where they were eliminated by their Moroccan nemesis Wydad Casablanca.

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