The psychological aspect of Mamelodi Sundowns ending off their Caf Champions League Group B campaign with victory is crucial, says co-coach Rhulani Mokwena.
Mokwena was speaking with regards to the Brazilians' final Group B match against Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad, which takes place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday afternoon, with kick-off set for 15:00.
Downs can afford to draw or even lose the match and will still end as group winners, thanks to an unassailable lead at the top courtesy of four wins and a draw from their five matches.
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But with what will most likely be a tough draw in the Champions League quarter-finals, followed by even more difficult games potentially later in the competition, it's important that the 2016 African champions maintain a winning mentality, says Mokwena:
“From a psychological perspective, we want to make sure we get to the knockout stages on a good winning momentum, so that we have the convictions that we can win in Africa and that is important.