The man who denied Mamelodi Sundowns an addition to their trophy cabinet in the 2024/25 season has thrown his support behind the Tshwane giants as they attempt to leave Cairo with the CAF Champions League title.
Sundowns face Pyramids FC in the second leg of the final on Sunday needing a win or high-scoring draw after a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last weekend.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso came under criticism for a line-up that had Themba Zwane on the bench, with the veteran relegated to the bench for the entire 90 minutes.
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"The coach knows best," says Clinton Larsen, himself a veteran coach who knows all too well about the demands of the job.
"The coach knows exactly which players are ready, who is on form, so everybody should support the coach's decision.
"When results don't go your way, fingers are always pointed to the coach. If Pyramids didn't equalise, those questions about 'Mshishi' were never going to be brought to the fore.
"Sundowns, I think their Champions League experience will see them through. I believe Sundowns will always have the ability to score goals.
"They also have the experience to shut out Pyramids. That late equaliser... it was heartbreaking to see. I'm very confident, I think Sundowns will bring it home," he continues.
The former Magesi FC tactician says he was happy to see how the visitors were restricted to a few chances.
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"They never had a lot of chances. Sundowns dominated the game and I think they're still gonna dominate the game. That's why I'm confident that they will win.
"Sundowns always score, it's just a matter of keeping a clean sheet."
Kick-off at 30 June Stadium is at 19:00 (SA time)
