Pitso Mosimane says Mamelodi Sundowns have to defeat Highlands Park in their final Absa Premiership encounter to ensure their Caf Champions League spot for next season.

Masandawana currently occupy second spot on the table, but will field a weakened team against relegation-threatened Highlands Park after defeating AS Vita 3-1 in Kinshasa on Wednesday.

Despite stating that he will play fringe players against The Lions of the North, Mosimane is under no illusions regarding the importance of the game.

‘The game on Saturday is very important and we have to play in the Champions League for the fourth year in a row,’ he told reporters. ‘That’s why we want to win on Saturday.

‘”It’s important for the team to play in the Champions League because you get wiser and get recognition on the continent,’ he added.

Finishing the season in second spot will mean automatic qualification for next season’s Champions league exploits, and this feat can only be achieved if Sundowns are victorious against Highlands Park. However, if they aren’t and Cape Town City defeat Polokwane city in their last league tie,  the Citizens will leapfrog the Chloorkop-based outfit into second spot.

The former Bafana Bafana mentor mentioned the importance of playing in the Champions League, saying that the competition serves as motivation for players wanting to move to the club.

‘As you go on like this for a third year without rest, you are going to have injuries, players lose form and get tired.

‘So we have to freshen up the team and try to get a few [new] players who are hungry.

‘These are players who will see the opportunity to play in the Champions League, Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.

‘That’s the carrot we dangle to recruit players,’ he concluded.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix