AFRICAN ELITE

Mark Gleeson looks at the African Champions League and its long history as this June reveals the identity of the new continental champions

- Mark Gleeson

Mamelodi Sundowns' quest over the past five years to become the best club on the African continent has become something akin to chasing down the Holy Grail, but credit to the runaway South African champions, they throw everything at it.

While their only previous success in the continent's premier club contest in 2016 was somewhat incidental and most fortunate - they were eliminated twice, yet got reprieves that allowed them to go on and win the African Champion League - their efforts since have been full of application, planning, rigour and purpose.

However, since lifting the trophy seven years ago, they have consistently fallen short, suggesting something of a 'Manchester City' syndrome that they must conquer.

Just like Pep Guardiola's team, Sundowns flattered to deceive in the early rounds and group stages and then bombed out in knockout stages as the pressure was suddenly ratcheted up.

This, season they have made a concerted effort again, and there must be praise and commendations for how they have taken on their task.

It is no easy matter, of course. The team from Pretoria may be the dominant force domestically, but are 'new boys' on the Champions League block when compared to the classy opponents they must hurdle over in the business end of the competition.

The north African giants who have stymied Sundowns' ambition in recent years have between 20 and 30 years of additional experience of competing in continental club competition and bring all of that to bear when needed.