Wiliete coach reveals 'strategies' that frustrated Sundowns in Angola
by Thato Bosoga · KickOffWiliete head coach Beto Bianchi has revealed how they managed to frustrate CAF Champions League holders Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw in the first leg of their second qualifying round fixture in Angola.
Sundowns had a bye in the first round of the prestigious competition and were expected to come out guns blazing against Wiliete in the second round, first-leg clash but were restricted to a 0-0 stalemate, with the tie in the balance ahead of Friday’s return leg at Loftus.
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Amid concerns around the relations between the two clubs, Bianchi revealed they were received well by Sundowns and that they are aware that the clash in Pretoria, where the winner on aggregate will progress to the group stage, will be anything but smooth sailing.
"The welcome here in Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns have been very supportive. We know that with the match, it is going to be a little bit tough as we know that the match was tough before," Bianchi told journalists at the pre-match press conference at the match venue.
"This second time it is going to be challenging, knowing that we are playing in their house and there will be more adaptation (from us)."
The Brazilian tactician went on to open up about how they managed to keep Miguel Cardoso’s troops quiet in Lubango.
"We started well and we knew that Mamelodi Sundowns is a very strong team and dangerous if you give them spaces.
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"We played well in Angola with good strategies. We closed their players well; we didn't give them chances to score. We're hoping to play the same," assure the 59-year-old.
Wiliete, founded in 2018, have never reached the group stage of the Champions League.