Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe believes that his side can beat La Liga Champions Barcelona because anything can happen in football, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The recently crowned Absa Premiership Champions will go up against the Catalan side on 16 May at the FNB Stadium as a part of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebration.

Although they may be coming up against one of the world’s best teams, it’s a challenge that Pitso Mosimane and his chargers will undeniably relish.

Sundowns are undoubtedly one of the top teams on the continent and Motsepe believes that his side could just beat the Spanish giants.

‘That’s the beauty of football, football humbles you,’ said the president during a press conference on Thursday, confirming that the game would take place.

‘Manchester City wins, wins, wins and then plays against a club from the second division [Wigan in the FA Cup] and they lose. So, you know the issue is I believe in science. I believe in common sense. I believe in logic. I believe in rationality, but sometimes football is far removed from those things.

‘I think that’s the excitement about football – you don’t know what’s going to happen.

‘You remember when we played Barcelona the last time [in 2007 where Barca won 2-1], in the first few minutes Surprise [Moriri] scored and we led until 77 minutes. Then Ronaldinho said “let’s stop this rubbish”. I always laugh because he was looking this side [pointing to his right] and he was also looking this side and then he kicked the ball that side,’ concluded Motsepe.

The Brazilians will take on Barca at the FNB Stadium on 16 May, with kick-off at 6pm. Tickets are on sale through Computicket and are selling fast.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix