Jele: Sundowns need to stay as a unit

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele has advised Mamelodi Sundowns to have a strong mentality in the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns will face ES Setif from Algeria in the group stage round of the continental competition on Saturday.

Jele has some experience in CAF competition after forming part of the Buccaneers team that were beaten finalists in both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

"They need to be focused. It's difficult playing outside the country because they are going to get bad treatment," he told The Sowetan.

"They need to stay as a unit. They need to forget about the referees even though they are the ones who can determine the game.

"If you do something wrong, you are going to lose the game, so you should focus and try win...I think they will represent the country well."

The Brazilians will be shorthanded in the clash as Hlompho Kekana and Mzikayise Mashaba are sidelined by injury, while Teko Modise, Soumahoro Bangaly, Tiyani Mabunda and Cuthbert Malajila are doubtful with the flu.

Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango and defender Tebogo Langerman are both suspended.