Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says he is confident that his side can go all the way in the Caf Champions League, but admits that their group has tough contenders.

Onyango insists that his side are keen to turn their season around after finishing second in the Absa Premiership behind champions Bidvest Wits.

“We enjoy playing in front of any crowds. It helps us to develop as players, and we are also able to build respect much more than you can in domestic leagues,” Onyango told the Kaizer Chiefs website.

“Since our victory last year, we have earned respect, and have won top awards, which is only possible if you play at this level.

“We want to get the team back to where it belongs following our loss of the domestic league title. Esperance are one of the biggest on the continent, but we are determined to turn things around at home.”

The 32-year-old says he wants the team to finish top, but he believes the other teams in Group C will put up a strong fight to finish ahead of Pitso Mosimane’s side.

“It’s not just about us and Esperance. Vita are still in it, as are St George, who have two points. Winning one game will give them five points and lift them in the stakes.”

“It is therefore critical for us to wrap it up early to relieve the pressure later on. When we score, we know we are capable of winning, but we have to keep it clean at the back.

“But we will continue taking it one game at a time, and would urge our supporters and the rest of the country to support the teams that campaign in the Continental competitions.

“It’s not just about us, it’s about the country, as players benefit from this exposure and prepares them for their national team campaigns,” he concluded.

Mamelodi Sundowns will next take on Esperance in the Caf Champions League Group C encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday.

The match kicks off at 20:00.

– This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.co.za