“We Want the Second Star” – Modiba Reveals Sundowns’ CAF Champions League Mindset Ahead of AS FAR Final
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba says winning a second CAF Champions League title is something regularly discussed within the squad, but insists the team is careful not to place unnecessary pressure on themselves ahead of the biggest match of their season.
Modiba made the remarks ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat in the first leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final.
The continental showdown takes place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00.
Modiba acknowledged that lifting another CAF Champions League trophy remains a major ambition for the Brazilians, who last conquered Africa in 2016.
“We do talk about bringing the second star. We do talk about making history for ourselves, for the club, for everyone,” Modiba said.
“But we don’t try to put pressure on ourselves because once we put pressure on ourselves, we don’t tend to perform at the best of our abilities.”
The “second star” represents a second CAF Champions League triumph – a milestone Sundowns have pursued ever since their historic success nearly a decade ago.
Aubrey Modiba has admitted that winning a second CAF Champions League title is a major topic within the squad (Image: Mamelodi Sundowns)
Miguel Cardoso’s men head into the final carrying strong domestic form despite ending their Betway Premiership campaign with a disappointing 3–2 defeat to TS Galaxy.
Their performances at home, however, have been one of the team’s biggest strengths throughout the season.
Loftus Versfeld is expected to be packed to capacity, with the stadium officially sold out and more than 50,000 supporters set to create a vibrant atmosphere in Pretoria.
The clash between Sundowns and AS FAR Rabat is about far more than continental bragging rights.
The winner of the two-legged final will secure qualification for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, adding another layer of significance to one of the biggest fixtures in African club football.
With anticipation building and history on the line, Sundowns now stand 90 minutes away from taking a major step toward the “second star” Modiba says the squad continues to dream about.