Wiliete SC head coach Roberto Bianchi has praised the experience and influence of Mabululu and Gilberto after the Angolan club achieved a remarkable result by eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League. The coach believes the two experienced attackers played an important role in helping Wiliete overcome one of Africa’s most respected football teams and secure a historic place in the group stage.

Wiliete delivered an impressive performance over two legs, holding Sundowns to a 1-1 aggregate draw before advancing on the away-goals rule. The outcome represents a major milestone for the Angolan side, which has now secured qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in its history.

Sundowns entered the contest with considerable continental experience and a strong reputation, but Wiliete demonstrated determination, discipline and belief to achieve the unexpected result. Their success has attracted attention across African football, particularly because of the quality of the opposition they managed to eliminate.

Speaking after the achievement, Bianchi highlighted the importance of having experienced players who understand the demands of competing at the highest level. He specifically praised Mabululu, pointing to the striker’s international career and his experience playing outside Angola.

Mabululu has represented the Angolan national team more than 50 times and gained valuable experience in foreign leagues, including spells in Egypt and Libya. According to Bianchi, that background has helped the forward understand the pressure associated with major matches and provide guidance to younger teammates.

“Mabululu is an experienced player, he knows African football, more than African football, international football because he is a player for the national team and he played abroad for the last couple of years,” Bianchi explained.

The coach also addressed Mabululu’s substitution during the second half, explaining that circumstances during the match required the change. His replacement was a young player promoted from the club’s youth team, who was making his first appearance at that level.

Bianchi’s decision highlights Wiliete’s willingness to trust younger players while relying on senior figures to help them adapt to demanding situations.

The coach also singled out Gilberto for praise. The former Petro de Luanda player brought valuable experience to the attacking department as Wiliete faced Sundowns. His return to South African football followed a difficult spell with Orlando Pirates, but his experience remained an important asset for the Angolan club.

“So this kind of players, these calibre of players as Mabululu and Gilberto, they give confidence and help the young players of the team,” Bianchi added.

Wiliete were founded in 2018, making their qualification for the group stage a significant achievement in the club’s relatively short history. Eliminating a continental heavyweight like Sundowns gives the team an opportunity to measure themselves against some of Africa’s strongest sides.

With Mabululu and Gilberto providing leadership and experience, Wiliete will now look to build on this success and make their historic CAF Champions League campaign count. Their victory also serves as a reminder that experience, teamwork and confidence can make a difference when underdogs face established continental giants.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/wiliete-coach-credits-mabululu-gilberto-after-sundowns-shock/