Cavin Johnson believes Mamelodi Sundowns' decision on an extended Egypt stay places them at a disadvantage in the CAF Champions League.
Johnson is back in South Africa after deputising as Pitso Mosimane's assistant at Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Sundowns are set to spend a week in the country as they face a double-header against CAF Champions League Group B opponents Al Merreikh this Saturday before facing Ahly on Friday, 25 February.
"The first game they should win because it's Al Merreikh, and they will not be playing in their own stadium," Johnson tells KickOff.
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"Al Ahly is going to be very difficult because whatever Sundowns do, the Egyptians will be prepared.
"You must understand you going into a foreign land, and they will be watching.
"Yes, it costs money to stay there, it costs money to fly back and forth, but staying there I think personally is a disadvantage."
Johnson says he understands Sundowns might be motivated by the presence of CAF President, Patrice Motsepe in Egypt.
"Of course, you don't want to lose and disappoint the president of CAF who also owns Sundowns.
"So obviously they don't want to lose, but it's going to be difficult for them in Egypt.
"Also you know what it's like, in Egypt, there's also Covid-19, so obviously your movement as a team is limited.
"That creates a lot of boredom within the team, I think.
"But like I said, against Al Merreikh, I put my money on Sundowns, against Al Ahly, it's going to be very difficult.
"If they come away with something, then you must know they did a good job."
