The 23-year-old is now at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan where, if they win their opening two matches, they will play in the final – possibly against Real Madrid provided the European champions win their semi-final against either Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of South Korea or Club America of Mexico.
“I wasn’t registered in the Champions League but it was a great experience to travel with the team and have a feel of the final which made me realise just why this is Champions League football and just why it is so important,” he tells snl24.com/kickoff.
The added benefit of being African champions has meant a ticket to the Club World Cup where Sundowns are already guaranteed of at least US$1 million (approximately R13,57 million) which could rise to US$5 million (approximately R67,85 million) if they end up as winners.
Morena doesn’t want this to be where it all ends.
“I have seen a lot of things during my time here at Sundowns but I am actually wishing for more because it is not where we want to end up and say this is all. We want to be consistent in doing all these competitions like the Champions League and the Club World Cup. As a team we want to achieve more, there is no time for saying okay now we have achieved, this is time to put our heads down and drag our feet. We have to give more. Here is the stage that we have been dreaming for so now is the time to work towards living that dream,” he says while adding that he now recognises just how huge a stage the Club World Cup is.
“I do realise how huge this is because everyone is talking about it and it is all over the papers. We, as players who have these dreams of playing overseas and playing for the big teams, here is the stage that we have wanted and now it is time to be counted. It is our wish to go all the way to the final too,” says Morena whose family back home in Randfontein is basking in his glory.