Maema calls for Sundowns fans to come out in force against Wydad

As expected, Mamelodi Sundowns players are calling for support ahead of the African Football League (AFL) final, second leg against Wydad Casablanca in Tshwane.

This is likely to be a recurring theme this week as the Brazilians look to drum up support for the do-or-die match where the Moroccan powerhouse holds a narrow 2-1 aggregate lead.

The delicately poised final has been moved to Sunday to accommodate the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates that takes place a day earlier.

For most of the current generation of Downs players, this will no doubt be the biggest game of their careers. Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango are the only two remaining members of the 2016 CAF Champions League winning squad.

Both players went on to also lift the 2017 CAF Super Cup as well as Thapelo Morena who was in his first season at Chloorkop. 

Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema has issued a rallying cry to the Yellow Nation who will once again be given free entry to fill up Loftus Versfeld.

“To the Masandawana family and fans, we would like to urge you all to come in numbers because we’re going to need you guys,” Maema said to the club’s media team.

“Keep supporting the team and believe in us as we believe in you. I hope you all come in numbers to make sure we have a good home game and lead us to victory.”

A precious away goal

Maema reflected on the defeat to Wydad last Sunday where Abdelmounaim Boutouil scored their solitary goal that could prove to be decisive for the Tshwane giants as they bid to be crowned champions of the inaugural AFL competition.

“It wasn’t an easy game. It was very difficult playing away from home for two games in this competition,” he said.

“But we made sure we stuck to the game plan and stuck together as brothers. It was unfortunate to lose two of our players (Grant Kekana and Thapelo Maseko) to injury but we made sure we stick together. We’re happy with the away goal. We conceded very soft goals but we will go back and minimise our mistakes.”