Aubrey Modiba – Clean sheet key for Sundowns in Morocco

The Brazilians head into the second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first encounter – secured by Modiba’s stunning strike at Loftus Versfeld.

The Bafana Bafana international, however, insists Sundowns must focus on protecting their lead if they are to be crowned winners. 

"It's better than last season. We always want to do better than the season before. This time around, we have an advantage. Hopefully, going into that game, we can use that advantage to our benefit . And yes, we need to make sure we keep a clean sheet as well; it's very important, and we can probably win the game," said Modiba.

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 History also beckons for the current generation of Sundowns players to emulate the class of 2016 having already missed that opportunity when they lost to Pyramids over two legs last season. 

"We also want to make history for this beautiful club. We want to make the fans happy, as much as they want it; they always want it. We can't celebrate yet because we still have another game in Morocco, which is going to be difficult. The fans are going to cheer for them, and how they fill up the stadiums – their energy is going to be different going into this game. But hopefully, our dreams can come true since we joined the team."

Modiba is eager to also seal qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup, which Sundowns can do should they win the Champions League. 

"It will mean a lot. Even last season, we wanted to go to the Club World Cup as African champions by winning the Champions League, but it didn't happen. We were disappointed. This season, we really want to go to this World Cup being the champions. But, like I said, we still have another game, and we can't start celebrating now as if that game is done. Our next focus should be that game in Morocco."

On his goal, Modiba said it was a reward for the work put in behind the scenes on set pieces at training with teammate Teboho Mokoena.