Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse believes it is too early to predict a poor CAF Champions League campaign for the Premier Soccer League champions.
Sundowns left their fans disappointed when they drew 0-0 with the Congolese side AS Maniema Union at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, marking their second consecutive game without a win.
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This followed an embarrassing loss to the lower league team Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Final last week.
Despite the team's recent struggles, Arendse, who won the Champions League with Sundowns in 2016, remains optimistic about their prospects.
"It's a bad start, especially at home where you want to secure a win. I'm sure the objective was to win," Arendse told KickOff.
"They picked up a point, which is not ideal, but they will take whatever they can get because it's the first game of the group stages."
He added, "Sundowns have a history of being able to win away games, as the coach mentioned in his interview. Some of the coaches were forced to deal with Bafana Bafana players who had tight hamstrings. They are experienced and resilient, so I'm sure they will bounce back.
"There are no small teams in the Champions League, which is why it carries that name. Every team that participates deserves respect and should be taken seriously."
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Arendse expressed confidence in Sundowns' ability to succeed.
"I believe Sundowns can win the Champions League; they have the potential to go all the way. Every team goes through a rough patch, as we've seen with Manchester City, who haven't won in five games.
"Sundowns have the players and the mentality to push through, and they are definitely still favourites to win the title."