Santos: The army knows the strength of Mamelodi.

The Portuguese Alexander Santos, coach of the Royal Army, confirmed that his team's preparations for the match against Mamelodi Sundowns, in the first leg of the African Champions League final, are proceeding in a positive atmosphere characterized by focus and discipline, emphasizing that all team members understand the importance of this historic appointment.

Santos stated in a statement to the official website of the Confederation of African Football that the technical staff continues to work on tactical, physical, and mental aspects, aiming to reach the highest levels of readiness before the anticipated match, which will take place next Sunday in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Portuguese coach explained that facing Sundowns will not be easy, given the strength of the South African team and its vast experience on the continental stage, adding: "We know well the strength of our opponent; they are an organized team with significant experience in African competitions. Therefore, we focus on tactical discipline, minimizing mistakes, and taking advantage of available opportunities."

Santos pointed out that the experience of some Royal Army players in African competitions could play an important role in the final, but he emphasized "the spirit of the group and the strong desire of all players to achieve this dream."

The coach also spoke about the historical significance of the final for the "military" club, which is seeking its second continental title after more than four decades, saying: "This carries a great responsibility and pride at the same time. The Royal Army is a prestigious club, and its fans deserve to celebrate a new continental title, and we will fight to bring the cup back to its rightful place."

Santos also highlighted that psychological pressure is present in such major matches, but he considered it a positive motivator, affirming that the team is working to maintain the players' calm and focus while respecting the strength of the opponent without fear.

The Royal Army coach concluded his message by thanking the "military" fans for their continuous support, saying: "You are our true source of strength, and we promise to fight on the field with all spirit and responsibility to make you happy and honor the jersey of the Royal Army."