Pitso: Oupa and George are here to win the CL

Cape Town - Oupa Manyisa and George Lebese joined Mamelodi Sundowns in order to win the CAF Champions League, says coach Pitso Mosimane.

The Brazilians had an unusually quiet transfer window, but their activity picked up in the last two weeks with news that they pinched the two big-name players from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

And, Mosimane is adamant that the two will be crucial in helping Sundowns retain their African crown.

"They came to Sundowns to win the Champions League. It's not to say they were unhappy at Orlando Pirates or unhappy at Kaizer Chiefs," Mosimane was quoted by the Sowetan speaking about his two acquisitions.

"They came to Sundowns for the Champions League and to win their places back in the Bafana Bafana line-up," said Mosimane.

"Lebese will be saying to himself if Themba Zwane can be a starter in Bafana, then he can also work hard to be a starter for Bafana.

"Oupa must be saying that if Tiyani Mabunda can play alongside Hlompho Kekana in Bafana, ‘I can come in there’.

"They came for that, so it is my job to try and give them that opportunity. They both have the quality to play for the national team."

While both players featured briefly in their game against Maritzburg United in the MTN8 on Sunday, Mosimane feels Lebese has the quality to replace what the club lost when Keagan Dolly left for France.

"George came to fill the position of Keegan (Dolly) and he’s got to live up to that.

"He’s got a good chance. There have been doubters asking whether he is capable or not. I had a meeting with him and I told him: ‘It’s in your hands but you need to deliver'."