Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Ibrahima Keita of Esperance Tunis during the CAF Champions League at Stade Olympique de Rades in Rades, Tunisia on the 12 April 2026.
Image: Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani "Sugar" Mabunda believes the midfield battle will decide Saturday’s crucial CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance at Loftus Versveld.
Sundowns currently lead Esperance 1-0 after their all-important victory in the first-leg last Sunday in Tunis.
The visitors controlled proceedings in the middle of the park at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agreb with Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams and Marcelo Allende forming a potent trio for Sundowns.
Mabunda feels they will need to be at their best again on Saturday if Sundowns are to progress to a second consecutive CAF Champions League final.
“If we get control of the midfield, Tebza (Mokoena), Jayden, I'll just use the lineup. I don't know how the coach will pad it out this game. But based on the midfield that was put in play in the previous game, Jayden, Marcelo, Tebza, those three players dictate the fight we bring,” Mabunda said on The Pitchside Podcast, hosted by fellow Sundowns legend Teko Modise.
“If they are comfortable, if they play shorter together and get control of the game in that midfield, it then gives confidence to, like you say, you've got Ronzo (Ronwen Williams), who's vocal at the back. He's able to see everything with a bigger picture. He's able to put his defence organised.
“But that will be determined from my side that we need to control that midfield. We avoid making errors, especially in that midfield. Because once they cut it there, it means all three of us are out of position. Then we're putting pressure on our defence. So the midfield for me is very, very solid. It needs to be very solid and confident.”
Mabunda, who was part of the legendary Sundowns team that won their still only ever CAF Champions League title a decade ago under former coach Pitso Mosimane, warned the Class of 2026 that its not only skill which is required to succeed on the continent, but also grit, determination and courage.
“The Champions League is more, you must have a fight. Not only to play, but also to fight,” Mabunda said.
“You must fight. It's not about how talented, how good you are. It's about, what I throw, can you respond?
“What is it? If I push you, are you going to push back? Or are you going to sulk and be crying foul about it?”