Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane's eyes light up at the mention of his squad conquering Africa when the CAF Champions League gets underway next month.
"I want to win the trophy there is no doubt about it. My president, Patrice Motsepe wants it, my players wants it and it is something our supporters could cherish forever," Mosimane said on Wednesday.
"I have no choice but to ensure that we give everything we have to win the Champions League."
The Brazilians were in Mpumalanga as part of a mid-season training programme, and hoped to play a few friendly fixtures against other African sides before the continental league competition got underway next month.
Sundowns faced St Michel United in Seychelles in their tournament opener and Mosimane had left no stone unturned in ensuring that all goes well.
"It is important that the boys know what to expect, hence I planned this training camp.
"Since taking over at Sundowns, I have taken my team to countries such as Zimbabwe and Ghana during pre-season training to condition my players. It will make the players much hungrier and showcase our intentions of building a cohesive side that will be able to represent this country in the tournament".
The defending league champions were on the verge of losing their league title as runaway leaders Kaizer Chiefs -- unbeaten in 18 league matches -- had opened a massive 15-point lead at the top of the table.
But the former Bafana Bafana coach said he had been in football long enough not to start panicking.
"We have to focus on us not Chiefs. It was the same thing last season when they were leading us by more than 10 points at one stage but we managed to claw our way back," Mosimane said.
Football is unpredictable so I am not going to worry about Chiefs and lose focus on my team. Like us, they have the league, Champions League and the Nedbank Cup to play. So a team that takes it chances, plans well and has a big enough squad to see it through will definitely prevail at the end of the season."
Key players Lebohang Mokoena, Elias Pelembe, Anthony Laffor and Wayne Sandilands were still to have their contracts renewed, and Mosimane said he trusted his management to do the right thing.
"Our players know where we stand with them. We are a professional side that takes good care of its players. There is good vibe here and, contrary to media statements that so-and-so has not signed, I have not seen an unhappy player since we arrived here in camp.
"The focus is to make everyone happy and I believe when the time is right we will make the right announcements, instead of speculations."
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