Mamelodi Sundowns now eye the Champions League's glory after tough start

The CAF Champions League is a different kettle of fish which usually separates ordinary players from the creme de la creme of the continent.

As such when Mamelodi Sundowns’ striker Iqraam Rayners played in his first-ever African campaign this season he duly endured its wrath.

Rayners made 10 appearances for the Brazilians in Africa’s premier club competition, and scored only three goals in the process.

However, his novelty and mild contribution didn’t show as the team still made strides to ensure that they reached the final for the first time since 2016.

Their return to the grandest stage on the continent didn’t get off to a positive start, though, as they drew 1-1 with fellow finalist Pyramids in the first leg in Pretoria.

That result meant that Pyramids will take an away goal advantage to the second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday (7pm kick-off).

But not all is lost for the Brazilians as a goal in Cairo will bring them back in contention, and hopefully swing the results back in their favour in the end.

Rayners, speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns TV on  ‘Road to the Final of Finals: Episode 8’, recalled his tough start on the continent this season.

“I think it has been a tough journey for us as a team, and myself as a player because it's my first season playing in the Champions League,” Rayners explained.

“For me as a player, it was difficult because the level is not the same as the PSL - you need to bring your A-game week in and week out when you play in the Champions League.

“For us as a team, it was also difficult because we had ups and downs. I think in some games, we were supposed to win and we lost.”

Life wasn’t made easy by a lot of things at Sundowns this season. They also had to change coaches before the January break as Manqoba Mngqithi was replaced by Miguel Cardoso.

The latter did well to find balance between building on Mngqithi’s foundation and implementing his philosophy on the players in the process.

And that duly paid dividends as Sundowns reached the final, beating Esperance and Al Ahly in the quarter-final and semi-final, and winning their eighth title in succession.

“W kept believing in ourselves (even during the tough times),” Rayners said. “Even the change of coaches made it difficult for us. But we stuck together.

“When the new coach came in, we stuck with him - we knew what he wanted. He gave us all the small details about the teams. I think it’s been good for us - hence we are here!

“So I think as a team, we must just remain humble and work together. I think there’s an opportunity as a team when it comes to the second leg - the game on Sunday.”

Winning the Champions League is the greatest honour that a player can get on the continent, and that’s why Sundowns want to emulate the class of 2016.

Rayners, though, also know that doing well this season will urge the team to continue doing more in the competition with every passing season.

“It will mean a lot for me to help the team win a trophy, and bring it back to South Africa,” Rayners explained.

“It will mean a lot for the players in the team. I think if we win the trophy, it will bring hunger. Going into the Champions League next season will be another opportunity to win it again!”