Mamelodi Sundowns expecting tight FIFA Cup contest as Saudi league grows

The Brazilians are preparing to face Al-Ahli in the FIFA Continental Cup at Loftus Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the Saudi side boasting captain and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and England international Ivan Toney.

Williams believes the quality within Al-Ahli’s squad is one of the reasons the fixture could prove a tightly contested affair, with Sundowns expecting a stern challenge.

"When you look at the World Cup and see the representation the league has had, it speaks volumes about the league, the number of players they are recruiting, high-quality players, players of stature, legendary players as well. So it shows that the league is improving; it's getting better, and we know it's going to be a very difficult game," said Williams.

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"I mean, they are back-to-back Asian champions, so our work is going to be cut out for us. And I mean, we've seen a few of our players and some coaches and technical members in the Saudi league now, so that's good that we are exporting players into the big leagues, and this will also give us a good opportunity to compete and see where our level is at." 

The Bafana Bafana skipper also mentioned his admiration of Mendy.

"When you look at their team, you know, there are so many guys who were at the World Cup. Demiral played for Turkey, Ibanez with Brazil, and obviously, as you mentioned, Ivan Toney , Mendy as well, someone that, you know, I know quite well, having watched his career and seen, you know, him achieve amazing things with Senegal. So it will be good to finally face him.

You know, I haven't had the opportunity to play against him, and obviously, I've taken a keen interest in his career and what he's done in the goalkeeping department. You know, he's been amazing. Yeah, it's a team with a lot of experience and high-quality players."

Williams revealed they had picked up some similarities between Al-Ahli and Sundowns from the recent fixtures this season. 

During their Europe tour, Sundowns did face a Saudi team in Al Hilal with Williams confident they can draw back on that pre-season encounter.