Allende talks 'big game' v Al Ahli

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende says they are well rested and prepared for Al Ahli Saudi ahead of their FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Sundowns had a full week to prepare since their 1-1 draw against Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.

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"We've had a long week, so we've had time to prepare and it's coming nice. It will be full tomorrow, so we need to win, we're playing against big players, it's going to be a nice game but the most important thing is to win," Allende told reporters at Chloorkop ahead of the encounter.

The Chilean midfielder went on and says he is proud of the message conveyed by captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who said, as follows in an interview with FIFA.com.

"We've done extremely well in the league and we're in the MTN8 Cup final. This is the big one to look forward to now. The form that we've been in has been good and it will hopefully carry us through the final on Saturday," Williams said.

"It's a home game for us and we know our record at home, so hopefully that can help us to get the job done and lift the first trophy for the season.

"We know it's going to be a very difficult game, they are back-to-back African champions. Our work is going to be cut out for us. When you look at their team, there's so many guys that were at the World Cup. [Merih] Demiral played for Turkiye, [Roger Ibanez with Brazil and obviously Ivan Toney [for England]."

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The 27-year-old echoed the sentiments of the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper and urged their supporters to rally behind the team.

"Ronwen is important for us, so what he is saying, we will always go behind him, playing with a player of his quality is very exciting for everyone, so we're ready for tomorrow," Allende said.

"It's going to be a big game tomorrow, so we're waiting for you, we will do everything on the pitch," the former Montevideo City Torque midfielder added.