Thabo Nthethe of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates his goal with Yannick Zakri of Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS Vita Club at Lucas Moripe Stadium. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
The 26-year-old, who joined Sundowns from ASEC Mimosas, scored the only goal in the first leg over the weekend.
“I was influenced to come here, enjoy my football and then go to Europe by seeing Siaka Tiene do that at Sundowns,” Zakri told The Star.
“Al Ahly, Zamalek and even Wydad wanted to sign me but I didn’t want to play in those parts. I wanted to come here and play for Sundowns. I saw their videos and what the South African league is about and I was impressed. I liked how Sundowns play and saw that I could fit in here. I told my president (at Asec, Roger Ouegnin) that I wanted to come here to get experience and then go to Europe,” Zakri added.
Zakri has warned his teammates about the atmosphere in Morocco.
“It’s fire there. Fire! Arab teams are totally different when they play at home,” Zakri said.
“I know it will be very difficult. I have played Wydad three times. I know every player there. I know how Wydad play, how they attack and defend. I know everything, but every game you play isn’t the same. As much as I know them, they also know me. Maybe they are working on how to stop me,” he continued.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
