Sundowns want new CAF venue for home clash against Pitso's Al Ahly

Mamelodi Sundowns are not keen on hosting their CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Friday, 11 March and are looking for a change of venue.

According to Sundowns co-coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, they are awaiting feedback from Africa's football body as they feel the stadium is not up to standard to host matches, despite having beaten Al-Hilal 1-0 there on 11 February.

Sundowns had initially given CAF three venue options for the game: Loftus Versfeld, Lucas Moripe Stadium, and Tuks Stadium. Still, they were turned down by CAF for not being up to standard.

In an interview with media after Wednesday's 3-0 league win over TS Galaxy, Mngqithi gave some insight into why they wanted a venue change for the game against Pitso Mosimane's Al Ahly clash later this month.

"We are looking at trying other stadiums for the Ahly game, based on the poor condition that Royal Bafokeng was last time round.

"At this stage, nothing is confirmed. But we are hopeful that we will play that game somewhere else, except Royal Bafokeng.

"It's just a matter of time before CAF responds to our wish and we will then take it from there," Mngqithi told media.

Masandawana claimed a historic first-ever victory against Al Ahly on Egyptian soil last weekend, solidifying their place at the top of the Group A standings.

Sundowns top the group on seven points after three games and are followed by Al-Merrikh on four points from two games, then on one point apiece are Al Ahly (two games) and Al-Hilal after three games.

Meanwhile, Sundowns are back in action on Saturday against Maritzburg United in a DStv Premiership encounter.

Kick-off is at 19:30.