Mamelodi Sundowns right back Zuko Mdunyelwa highlighted the importance of having their faithful supporters at the stadium when they take on Esperance in the semi-final second leg of the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Espérance de Tunis, with Brayan León’s 51st-minute strike proving the difference at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Sunday.

Sundowns will aim to finish the job when they welcome the Tunisian giants to Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Mdunyelwa has emphasised how the passionate Sundowns faithful act as a “12th man” on the pitch by creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents while inspiring the players to deliver strong performances.

“We call our supporters the 12th man on the pitch because they have a huge impact,” Mdunyela said.

“When they sing, they make it very uncomfortable for the opposition to play against us, and we appreciate and love them.

“So it’s very important for us to give them a good game.”