'Forget their story' - Remo Stars' Portuguese coach says Mamelodi Sundowns' history means nothing

Remo Stars Coach Tiago Conde has made a bold claim ahead of their Mamelodi Sundowns clash, stating the match is a simple '11 vs 11' affair where continental history counts for nothing.

Nigerian champions Remo Stars are approaching their decisive CAF Champions League qualifier against continental heavyweight Mamelodi Sundowns with a defiant attitude, according to their coach.

The Portuguese tactical adviser has explicitly dismissed the significance of the South African club’s extensive history, stressing the match will be decided solely on the pitch in Abeokuta.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Second Preliminary Round first leg, Conde acknowledged the scale of the challenge but immediately reframed the contest as an equal fight.

"It’s a big challenge for us, for our story, it’s a privilege to play against a team like Mamelodi Sundowns," Conde stated, according to a video from the club.

"Of course, the story they have in this competition is bigger in comparison to Remo Stars. But for 90 minutes on Sunday, the story is not part of the game. The game is 11 against 11."

The coach emphasised that his side is focused on achieving what they have "never done", qualifying for the lucrative group stage.

The statement is designed to motivate his players to disregard the pressure associated with facing one of Africa’s top-ranked clubs.

"We want to do what we have never done - to win and go to the group stage. It’s difficult, of course, but it’s difficult for them as well.”

“The decision will be there. Of course, we know the story of Mamelodi Sundowns... but we are not focused on the story,” Conde concluded, setting the tone for a fearless performance from the 'Sky Blues' on Sunday.