Morena on Downs' CAF mission for redemption: 'We know the pain'

Thapelo Morena has opened up about the emotional scars left by last season's CAF Champions League heartbreak as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for another shot at continental glory.

The Brazilians are set to face AS FAR Rabat in a highly anticipated final, with the first leg taking place this Sunday in South Africa before the decisive return leg in Morocco on Sunday the 24th.

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Morena, who has been with Masandawana since 2016, is part of a core group that has consistently competed at the highest level of African club football.

Miguel Cardoso's star-studded side remains determined in their pursuit of a second continental title, having come agonisingly close on several occasions in recent years.

Last season, Sundowns suffered a painful defeat in the final against Pyramids FC, a result that still lingers in the minds of the Tshwane giants.

"To be honest, after we lost the final last year, when I got home, it was a very tough situation for my family and me as well. But knowing that I have them as a support structure," Morena told CAF Online.

"I knew that spending time with them would really make a difference. They try by all means to support me.

"It’s the energy they give me before and after games, regardless of the result. That motivation has kept me going all these years.

"I think we have the feeling of being in a final now. It’s not like before, when the last time we were there was in 2016.

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"So now it’s recent, and we obviously know the pain of not lifting the trophy when we are so close. So this is our final push to make sure we deliver and give our all."

For the 32-year-old Morena and his teammates, this is more than just another final, it is an opportunity to finally secure the long-awaited second star the club has been chasing for years.