Mamelodi Sundowns were supposed to be playing away this weekend as they begin yet another bid to win the African Champions League but they will not have to go far from their front door.
Sundowns have been drawn against Mbabane Swallows from Eswatini in the second round of this year’s competition, after being given a bye in the first round.
They are playing in the away leg on Saturday but because no stadium in Eswatini that has been passed fit for use in international competition by the Confederation of African Football, Swallows have chosen to play the game at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville – one of Sundowns’ home grounds.
Back on the training ground and working hard for the return of Masandawana football! 💪#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/oIzbD0vnK5
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 10, 2024
Swallows used the same stadium last month for their first round, first leg tie against Mozambique’s Ferroviario Beira, which they won 1-0, and return again this Saturday (kick off 20h00) for the first leg of the next round meeting with the Brazilians.
The second leg will also be played in Atteridgeville on Saturday, September 21 when Sundowns are the hosts (kick off 18h00) because Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria is reserved for the potential of the Blue Bulls playing in rugby’s Currie Cup final.
The winner of the tie qualifies for the lucrative group phase of the competition.
It's all systems go as we get ready for a busy month of Bafana Ba Style football! 🌍⚽#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #BetwayPremiership pic.twitter.com/4zveRdXGDJ
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 11, 2024
Sundowns are looking to advance to the group phase for a 10th successive season. They were Champions League winners in 2016 but in the eight campaigns since have only been able to get as far as the semifinal.
Swallows have previously lost to Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United in the Champions League but were the first Swazi club to reach the group phase of the African club competition in 2017, and were drawn in the same Confederation Cup group with Platinum Stars. Sabelo Ndzinisa scored all Swallows’ goals in a shock 4-2 home win over Stars and then drew 2-2 at Moruleng, after being 2-0 up over their hosts. Stars finished bottom of the group while Swallows were third.