New CAF Champions League trophy awaits historic winner

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the Champions League.

The grand reveal took place on Thursday in Johannesburg, ahead of the first-leg final between South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian side Pyramids FC, set for Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

One of these two finalists will make history by lifting the newly designed trophy following the second-leg clash, which will be held next Sunday at the 30th June Stadium in Cairo.

This newly unveiled trophy is the fifth version of the prestigious crown and will remain in South Africa for the next few days.

Sundowns aim to make South African football history by becoming the first club from the country to earn a second star on their emblem. Having previously won the competition in 2016, they enter the fixture as favourites, while, Pyramids FC will be making their debut appearance in a continental final.

Teko Modise who won the tournament with the Brazilians in 2016 says all the is on the Pretoria side.

“We know that it’s a trophy that’s been eluding them for so many years, so you can imagine the stress and pressure that comes with that” said Modise.

“With them being so good in this competition for so many years, they go into Saturday as favourites with Pyramids as first timers (in the final) and with Sundowns being so dominant in the competition, they need something to show their dominance” he added.