Pitso Mosimane urges rival fans to support Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns are the only South African team remaining in continental competition, and coach Pitso Mosimane would like to see even the rival fans throw their support behind his side.

The Tshwane giants started their Caf Champions League campaign along with Orlando Pirates, while Bidvest Wits and first-division outfit TS Galaxy competed in the Caf Confederations Cup.

Pitso Mosimane calls for patriotism among local soccer fans

The other three have since fallen away, leaving the men from the capital – who are still unbeaten in the group stage – as the country’s only representative.

Sundowns play their final Group C game at home to Wydad Athletic Club on Saturday, and are looking to finish on top.

Mosimane has called for supporters of his sides biggest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to show up at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

“I think that’s patriotism that we need to show and we need to take out,” Mosimane said.

“We must not look at the emblem of Mamelodi Sundowns and look at the national flag because we are wearing the national flag on the pitch on Saturday.

“So they [the supporters] must go with the flag and come support South Africa. Let’s make an impact as South Africans.

“I remember when we played the final here against Zamalek, the whole of South Africa was here. All supporters of Pirates and Chiefs were here. I have never seen South Africa united like that.

“It’s like when we won the Rugby World Cup now, the whole country was united. I believe our people will come in big numbers to the match.”

Pitso Mosimane

Sundowns flying the SA flag

With three wins and two draws in the group stage, Sundowns are guaranteed a spot in the next round of the competition.

They drew against Wydad in the away leg, and Mosimane has vowed not to sit back when the two sides meet on Saturday.

“When we played Barcelona with Iniesta, Messi, Busquets, Suarez, the full line-up of Barcelona, you were here?” Mosimane asked.

“We didn’t sit back and why should we sit back against Wydad? We don’t sit back for any team because we believe we have to attack. We believe the best form of defence is attack.

“Of course we can’t be reckless and go all over the place. We need a structure and organisation. We can’t go like we’re playing against a small team.

“Wydad is a big team. They win the Champions League, they won in the final. They eliminated us. We respect them.”

Pitso Mosimane

Kick-off is at 15:00 (SAST).