Nthethe backs Downs to start Champions League in style

FORMER Mamelodi Sundowns defender and captain Thabo Nthethe is tipping his former side to correct Orlando Pirates' mistake against St Eloi Lupopo whom they face in their opening Caf Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

It is nothing short of a coincidence that Sundowns open with Lupopo, the Democratic Republic of Congo side that eliminated Pirates - the Brazilians’ closest domestic rivals - in the final preliminary stages.

Nthethe, a key figure in Sundowns historic 2016 Champions League triumph, expects a demanding battle in the opener but remains confident that his former club have enough quality to stamp their superiority.

“It’s going to be a tough encounter for Sundowns,” Nthethe told Independent Newspapers.

“But I definitely know that they will do their homework against Lupopo to kick things off positively, to try and achieve better results as they aim to go one better than the final from last season.

“This team will know a lot about Sundowns because for the last couple of seasons, Sundowns have been playing this competition regularly, and heading into this match, they will have a better chance at winning.”