South Africa: Sundowns Going for the Kill

Mamelodi Sundowns are brimming with confidence as they aim to go all the way and add the one trophy that has eluded their decorated cabinet in their rich 46-year history as they head into the semi-finals of the 2016 Orange CAF Champions League.

The 'Brazilians' have enjoyed an impressive run, brushing aside high quality opposition such as AC Leopards in the preliminary rounds before finishing top of their group, to set up a mouth-watering last four clash with Zambia's Zesco United.

The group stages were an uphill battle for the South Africans, being the only team yet to lift the premier continental club championship, coming up against previous winners' Zamalek (Egypt) and Enyimba (Nigeria).

However, Sundowns immediately got off their starting blocks with a 2-0 victory over ES Setif in Setif. It was the same match that saw the disqualification of Setif for the rest the competition due to unruly behavior by their fans, resulting in the match being declared null and void.

This did not discourage the Brazilians as they carried the same form and resilience against Nigerian powerhouse, Enyimba with a 2-1 victory at home.

The next assignment against Egyptian giants, Zamalek was one of their toughest clashes in the competition.

The visitors however held on for another tough 2-1 win in Egypt, leaving them with six points in Group B, three points ahead of Zamalek, and with one foot in the semi-finals. Boosted by their away victory over the White Knights, the South African champions sealed their place in the last four with a 1-0 return leg victory and one match to spare.

The last time the South African big spenders reached this stage of the tournament was exactly 15 years ago under the late Ted Dumitru where they overcame Angolan side, Petro Atletico to succumb to a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Al Ahly in the final.

The star-studded squad now under the tutelage of coach Pitso Mosimane has earned the favourites tags boasting an array of talent right from the bench. Zimbabwean sensation, Khama Billiat who is rumoured to have attracted European interest has been a revelation this past season. The skillful forward has found the back of the net twice, contributing to the 12 goals scored in total by the club this term.

Not only is the 26-year-old lethal in front of goal but is also at the heart of Sundowns' attack as the main orchestra. Billiat has provided 20 goals for his teammates in the past season in all competitions, including the Orange CAF Champions League.

Speaking to CAFOnline.com at the club's training session in the nation's capital, Billiat was confident that his team would get a positive result against Zesco.

"The team is in high spirits after a successful season. We are eager to make history by becoming the second South African team to win the CAF Champions League after Orlando Pirates. It will not be easy as all teams that have reached this stage of the competition are worthy contenders" said Billiat.

Coach Mosimane who has opted for a more cautious style in their continental campaign as opposed to their traditional expansive play believes this approach has yielded results.

"This is a very tough competition and you can not afford to be reckless in your approach. The teams that participate are very tactically strong and that is why you need to be careful on when to attack and when to defend. We are fine-tuning our approach and almost done with our preparations" said Mosimane.

With just two matches to go before the final, it could be difficult for Mosimane having lost eight key players that were registered for the competition during the transfer window period.