Mamelodi Sundowns travel concerns ahead of CAF Champions League clash with Remo Stars in Abeokuta spark logistical challenges and fatigue fears

Mamelodi Sundowns travel concerns have taken centre stage ahead of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round fixture against Nigerian champions Remo Stars, as head coach Miguel Cardoso voiced frustration over the club’s two-day journey to Abeokuta.

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The South African champions, who begin their continental campaign on October 19 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, are facing logistical hurdles that could affect player fitness and match readiness.

The away leg will be followed by the return fixture in Tshwane a week later.

“The city we are going to play in, we have to travel for two days,” Cardoso told journalists, as quoted by The South African. “We cannot make both flights in one day. The trip is obviously difficult, but this is Champions League football.”

Despite earning a bye into this round due to their high CAF coefficient ranking, the Masandawana are already on the back foot logistically.

Their situation is compounded by the return of eight key players from international duty with Bafana Bafana, including captain Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Iqraam Rayners.

Cardoso admitted that managing fatigue and limited training time would be critical.

Mamelodi Sundowns have become perennial contenders on the continent but have failed to convert promise into trophies since their famous 2016 CAF Champions League triumph over Zamalek.

Last season, they were edged out in the final by Pyramids FC, following a heartbreaking semi-final exit to Esperance the year before.

“It’s difficult, but that’s the nature of African football. We’ve been here before, and we know what it takes to compete at this level,” Cardoso added, echoing the grit that has kept Sundowns at the top.

Their Nigerian opponents, Remo Stars, come into the tie full of belief after a dominant NPFL season, finishing 10 points ahead of Rivers United.

The Ikenne-based club will be hoping to cause an upset against the more experienced South Africans.

With confidence high and local conditions in their favour, Remo Stars will look to exploit Sundowns’ travel fatigue and strike early in the tie.

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Still, Sundowns’ depth and experience could prove decisive, even if their African adventures continue to be dogged by the continent’s persistent infrastructure and travel challenges.

Mamelodi Sundowns raise travel concerns for Remo tie

Mamelodi Sundowns raise travel concerns for Remo tie