CAFCL boss makes big Sundowns claim ahead of crunch QF tie

Young Africans head coach Miguel Gamondi has issued a big claim regarding their next CAF Champions League opponents Mamelodi Sundowns as well as Al Ahly.

With the international break having now concluded, the stage is set for the quarter-finals of the CAFCL this weekend.

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Tanzania are the most represented nation in the last eight, with two of their iconic clubs, Young Africans – also known as Yanga – and Simba SC, still in contention for the ultimate prize, although they have been drawn against arguably two of the biggest teams on the continent, Downs and reigning champions Al Ahly. 

Ahead of their first leg against Masandawana in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, Yanga boss Gamondi, who was an assistant coach at Chloorkop in the 2005/06 season, candidly admitted that his former South African side are one of the best clubs in Africa.

"Sundowns is one of the biggest teams performing in the continent along with Al Ahly, no doubt they are the best on the continent," he told CAF's official website. 

"They are where they are today because of the consistency they have shown over the years. I really like the style of play of Sundowns. They play their type of football that I like. 

"I was coach at Sundowns, and I know what they like to do and what they are building now is not only important for South Africa, but for African continent because they it's an advert for Africa.

"For us, it is probably going to be the toughest opponent we will get but at the same time it will be a great learning experience for Young Africans to play with a quality side and technical staff. I think this will be a great advert for African football."

Asked what a good finish for Yanga in the CAFCL