As Mamelodi Sundowns brace themselves for a monumental clash against Esperance in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg on Saturday, retired midfielder Tiyani Mabunda reflects on the nerve-wracking experiences of past encounters with the North African giants.
In an exclusive interview with the Sundowns Pitch-side Podcast on YouTube, Mabunda vividly recounts the intense atmosphere and challenges faced by Sundowns during their previous trips to Tunisia.
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With memories akin to scenes from a movie, Mabunda's insights shed light on the formidable task that awaits the Brazilians as they prepare to face Esperance once again in the continent's premier club tournament.
Facing Esperance on their home turf has always presented a formidable challenge for Sundowns, with the dark pitch, smoke, lasers, and even firecrackers adding to the intensity of the atmosphere. Despite the adversities encountered, Sundowns remain undeterred as they aim to overcome the odds and secure a positive result in the first leg of the semi-finals.
“The atmosphere at their home ground, that always plays an advantage to them. I remember when we played there, you always find that the pitch is dark and there’s smoke all over the field and lasers,” Mabunda told the Pitch-side podcast on YouTube.
“And what’s this…they throw something that looks like firecrackers – a granite and it lands on the ground and I hid myself in the field of play!” he added.
As the countdown to the highly anticipated clash continues, Mabunda's reflections offer a glimpse into the mental and physical obstacles faced by Sundowns in their quest for continental glory.
“I remember that game we were playing a three-man midfield, it was me and (Sibusiso) Vilakazi and this guy (opposing player) he said to me ‘welcome to Tunisia’. It felt like a movie and the match had to stop for two minutes.
“You look up the stands you can’t see; the referee can’t see but they are enjoying it. So, like I said their advantage is always playing at home,” Mabunda stated.
“Because it’s not easy to go to Tunisia and come out no matter how confident you are. The experience there is not, it’s traumatizing,” continued the ex-midfielder.
Another former Sundowns star in Thabo Nthethe, who was part of the team’s maiden Caf Champions League glory in 2016, points out to GameOn that the lasers didn’t bother his team but had actually motivated them.
“With the supporters when they flash us with those green lights, lasers in our faces, it’s like they were pumping us to play well. So, really now I think the guys they want to go all the way.
“For me, no, I could see the ball clearly. I could see anyone, anything inside the field of play so they were not disturbing honestly,” Nthethe told GameOn on Radio 2000.
With the sold-out Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi set to host this epic encounter, anticipation reaches fever pitch as both teams prepare to write the next chapter in their storied rivalry.
With memories of past encounters still fresh in minds, Sundowns will draw strength from their legend's experiences as they embark on this crucial journey. As the continent watches with bated breath, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between two African powerhouses.
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