Modise: We are underdogs in the group

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise believes their underdog status in the CAF Champions League will give them an edge over the other teams.

The Brazilians had been eliminated from the competition but were re-instated after AS Vita was disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in the preliminary rounds.

"We stand a chance, we really stand a chance. We are underdogs in the group, so that gives us a little space to breathe and of course we will do our homework, try and understand and learn how they play," Modise told reporters.

"It is new for us. We have never been in the group stages before so it is going to be very challenging for us. We just hope that we can do the best we can and the form we have in the league will carry us through."

The 33-year-old admits it has been difficult for Sundowns to regain focus after a long season, but they are fully committed to doing well and represent the country on the continent.

"It is very difficult, we knew that we had a break, we had already planned our holidays but we had to cancel,” Modise added.

"But as professionals we need to perform. We just hope the coach will do whatever he can and the players will come to the party and perform to the best of their abilities.

"But it is an opportunity for us as Sundowns to actually play against good teams in the group stages. It has been our dream to play in the group stages and now that we are there, we have a new ambition to make it through.

"But it going to be tough, it is not going to be easy for us. We just hope that we will use the opportunity given to us as best as we can."

Sundowns are in Group B alongside ES Setif of Algeria, Nigeria's Enyimba and Egyptian giants Zamalek.