The two clubs clashed in a match that decided Africa’s club champions and the Sweden-based star was convinced they had what it took to bring the trophy home.

“I’ve been watching all their games and I’ve seen how they’ve been working so hard. Even though sometimes things don’t go their way, they kept on pushing. I was actually watching the penalties [won 5-4 against Equatorial Guinean team Malabo Kings] – and I saw them celebrate afterwards. You could tell how special it was for them.” Motlhalo said.

The Djurgardens IF ace said ‘Banyana Ba Style’ had the right balance in terms of youth and experience as they took on the Ghanaians. Sundowns had in their ranks, talents like defender Chuene Morifi, who was in top form in the semi-finals, talented forward Andisiwe Mgcoyi, veteran striker Rhoda Mulaudzi and captain Zanele Nhlapo.

The Banyana number 10, Motlhalo, had warned that they should not read too much into the opponents’ strengths.