Sundowns Chase Second Star: Ronwen Williams Warns Against Complacency in CAF Final

Key facts

• Mamelodi Sundowns face AS FAR in the CAF Champions League final over two legs.
• The first leg is on Friday, 15 May; the return leg on Sunday, 24 May in Rabat.
• Sundowns lost to Pyramids 3-2 on aggregate in last season's final.
• Ronwen Williams has made 10 appearances, conceding 7 goals in the 2025/26 campaign.
• Colombian forward Brayan Leon scored 5 goals in 8 appearances since joining in January 2026.
• Portuguese playmaker Nuno Santos has 3 goals and 5 assists in 9 appearances.
• Sundowns' only previous CAF Champions League title came in 2016 against Zamalek.
• Club legend Surprise Moriri expressed confidence the current squad can add a second star.

Back-to-Back Finals: A Test of Character

Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive season, setting up a two-legged showdown with Moroccan side AS FAR. The first leg is scheduled for Friday, 15 May, with the return leg on Sunday, 24 May in Rabat. For Sundowns, this marks the first time in club history they have appeared in back-to-back finals. The achievement, however, comes with the bitter memory of last season's defeat on aggregate to Pyramids, a loss that goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says has steeled the squad. "It's been amazing, it's not an easy competition," Williams said in an interview on Pitchside With Tabu Peter. "For us to go back-to-back speaks volumes of the character and mentality we have at this wonderful club."

Lessons from the Pyramids Upset

Last season, Sundowns appeared to have a clear path to the title after eliminating Al Ahly in the semi-finals. They faced Pyramids, who had knocked out South African rivals Orlando Pirates. But Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg and lost 2-1 in Egypt, falling 3-2 on aggregate. Williams acknowledged that the team had underestimated their opponents. "You don't take any team for granted," he said. "People looked on paper and stats, last year they thought it would be an easy win for us because we're not playing against Al Ahly, Esperance… we can't make the same mistake because we're playing AS FAR." The goalkeeper stressed that the pain of that defeat has been transformed into renewed energy. "Yes, we had so much pain when we lost in the final last year but that gave us new energy and believing that we can go again."

Key Performers Driving the Campaign

Three players have been instrumental in Sundowns' run to the final. Colombian forward Brayan Leon, who joined from Independiente in January 2026, has scored five goals in eight CAF Champions League appearances, all in his last five matches. He netted in both legs of the semi-final against Esperance and also scored against MC Alger and Stade Malien. Ronwen Williams, the 34-year-old South African national team captain, has been a pillar at the back. In 10 appearances this season, he has conceded just seven goals, while his distribution, leadership, and organizing of the defence have been crucial. With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Williams is eager to add the CAF Champions League to his résumé after missing out last year. Portuguese playmaker Nuno Santos has contributed three goals and five assists in nine appearances. The 27-year-old, who has played in the Portuguese top flight and Major League Soccer, has been under an injury cloud but is expected to be fit for the final. His dead-ball expertise and vision make him a key creative force.

The Road to the Final: A Grueling Path

Sundowns' journey to the final was far from straightforward. They qualified for the knockout stages on the final day of the group phase with a 2-0 win over MC Alger. In the knockout rounds, they eliminated Stade Malien and then Esperance Sportive de Tunis, the latter in a hard-fought semi-final. Club legend Surprise Moriri, who was part of the 2016 title-winning squad, praised the team's resilience. "If you look at the way we qualified for the knockout stages, it was not easy – but after that, the boys fought very hard," he said. "The boys have fought hard, paid their dues, paid their school fees." Sundowns' only previous CAF Champions League triumph came in 2016, when they defeated Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate under then-coach Pitso Mosimane. Both Sundowns and AS FAR are seeking a second star on their crests, with AS FAR having won the title in 1985.

Stakes and Outlook: Redemption Within Reach

For Williams and his teammates, the final represents a chance at redemption. "Hopefully this time we can add a second star, we can lift that trophy," Williams said. But he cautioned against complacency, noting that AS FAR's pedigree should not be underestimated. "We should not think that the job is done before getting the job done." Moriri expressed confidence that the current squad has the character to succeed. "I have trust and belief in the boys and the technical team," he said. "But most importantly also, our supporters, they must make sure to rally behind the team so we can go for the last lap." With both teams also competing for domestic league honors in South Africa and Morocco respectively, the final promises to be a monumental affair. Sundowns will rely on their experienced core and the recent form of Leon and Santos to overcome a determined AS FAR side.

The bottom line

• Mamelodi Sundowns face AS FAR in a two-legged CAF Champions League final on 15 and 24 May.
• Sundowns are seeking their second title after winning in 2016; AS FAR won in 1985.
• Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams warns against repeating last season's mistake of underestimating opponents.
• Key players include Brayan Leon (5 goals), Nuno Santos (3 goals, 5 assists), and Williams (7 goals conceded in 10 games).
• Sundowns' path included a group-stage decider against MC Alger and knockout wins over Stade Malien and Esperance.
• Club legend Surprise Moriri backs the squad to add a second star, citing their hard-fought journey.