Mamelodi Sundowns supporters have delivered in emphatic fashion, with Loftus Versfeld officially sold out for the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Esperance.
The full house comes just days after club ambassador Tiyani Mabunda urged fans to come out in numbers.
Kabo Yellow return home with a slender but valuable 1-0 advantage from Tunisia, where Brayan Leon’s second-half strike separated the two sides.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SET FOR DEFINING LOFTUS AFTERNOON
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s team now know they will walk out to a packed stadium, with the energy and expectation firmly behind them.
A draw will be enough to send the Brazilians through to another CAF Champions League final. Mabunda had made a direct appeal earlier in the week, urging supporters to secure their tickets early and create an intimidating atmosphere, something that has now materialised.
“Our boys are ready. They showed on Sunday. It’s our chance to finish the match on Saturday and proceed to the final,” Mabunda said.
RESPECT AND UNITY
Mamelodi Sundowns have also emphasised the importance of respect between supporters, especially given the history between the two clubs.
Previous meetings have carried tension, but both sides have since highlighted unity and sportsmanship as key values heading into this clash.
“It was unforeseen moments we witnessed when these two great football institutions last met in South Africa. However, if you revert, you saw that eventually the love prevailed between the two clubs,” Mabunda continued.
“We had our supporters in Tunisia, and they were treated well. Like our slogan that promotes Ubuntu, we want to assure our visitors of great hospitality and are looking forward to a great game,” Mabunda added.
With Loftus sold out, a place in the final within reach, and the nation watching, Mamelodi Sundowns now stand on the edge of another major continental moment.
CAN MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FINISH THE JOB AND REACH THE FINAL?
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