Sibusiso Vilakazi says today's Sundowns players' international pedigree could be the key to unlocking greatness

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Sibusiso Vilakazi says he cannot compare the club’s current squad with the class of 2016, as both have achieved honours in their own right.

Sundowns are set to contest the CAF Champions League final for the first time since Vilakazi’s generation lifted the trophy in 2016. That historic triumph marked the club’s first continental crown.

Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side faces an uphill battle heading into the second leg of the final against Pyramids FC in Cairo on Sunday, following a 1-1 draw in Pretoria. But with the return leg taking place at the 30 June Stadium, hopes remain high that Sundowns can turn the tie around and secure a second star above their crest.

Victory would also see them qualify for the expanded Fifa Club World Cup in the US next month, representing Africa as continental champions.

Should they not only win the Champions League but also progress beyond the group stage in North America – surpassing the achievements of the 2016 squad – the question naturally arises: could they be the greatest Sundowns generation ever?

Vilakazi, speaking on the sidelines of the Carling Black Label partnership event with Sundowns on Tuesday, preferred not to indulge in such comparisons.

“I am one person that likes to just appreciate eras,” Vilakazi said.

“If the era is doing well, there’s no comparison for me. It’s different eras. I don’t want to expand.”

However, he acknowledged that the current team benefits from the international exposure and experience of several of its players, which could give them an edge in both the final and on the global stage.

“Fortunately for them, they have a mixed group with individuals who’ve played at the Olympics and on the European stage,” he said.

“Tashreeq Matthews has also played for Borussia Dortmund, who will also face Sundowns in the group stage (at the Club World Cup), so he can easily share insights of what he knows. The conditions will be familiar for them.”

Reflecting on the 2016 campaign, Vilakazi noted that adapting to international conditions was one of the biggest hurdles they had to overcome.

“Looking back in 2016, having to adapt to the conditions and play on a surface that was thoroughly green was appetising,” he said.

“It took us time to adapt to those conditions. We thought we were really far behind because we couldn’t really concentrate in terms of controlling the ball.”

Now, as the next generation of Sundowns players prepares to write their own chapter in the club’s illustrious history, Vilakazi believes their international pedigree could be the key to unlocking greatness once again.