CAFCL: Rulani Mokwena Gives Unexpected Answer When Asked About Facing Mamelodi Sundowns
- Rulani Mokwena has delivered a surprising response ahead of MC Alger's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League
- The South African tactician is looking forward to securing a place in the quarter-finals of the competition at the expense of his former club
- The former Orlando Pirates coach's unexpected comments ahead of the tie sparked mixed reactions from football fans on social media
Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is set to return to South Africa as his current team, Mouloudia Club d’Alger, will face the Brazilians in their last CAF Champions League group fixture this weekend.
Source: Getty Images
The Premier Soccer League giants would host the Algerian side in a mouthwatering Champions League group phase tie at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The Pretoria giants need a win against their former coach's team to secure a place in the next round of the competition, while Mokwena need a draw in the tie to seal a quarter-final place for the Algerian giants.
Sundowns and MC Alger's recent CAFCL performance
Mamelodi Sundowns have struggled in their recent CAF Champions League matches; their last two games have put them in a difficult position in the qualifying for the quarter-finals this season.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
The Tshwane Outfit were condemned to a defeat when they faced Al Hilal in their fourth group game in Kigali, Rwanda, and in their last match, they were held to a 1-1 draw against FC Saint Éloi Lupopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a contrasting fortune, MC Alger put in a great performance in the last two group fixtures as they defeated FC Saint Éloi Lupopo and Al Hilal to move to a strong position of securing qualification to the next round.
Miguel Cardoso could lose his job if he fails to guide Sundowns to victory in the last group game, while Mokwena is still in a strong position of keeping his job even if he fails to secure a quarter-final ticket.
There's a positive situation for the Brazilians going into the last group game with MC Alger being a poor side in away games in the Champions League this campaign. The Algerian side have failed to pick up points on the road this season in the competition as they were defeated by Lupopo and Al Hilal in their two previous away matches.
Mokwena's candid response to facing Sundowns
Speaking ahead of MC Alger's clash with Sundowns in South Africa, Mokwena shut down any talks about coming up against his former club in the CAF Champions League as he was only focused on celebrating his current side's victory over Al Hilal.
Source: Getty Images
It came as a surprise to many who were expecting the South African tactician to give his take on battling Sundowns for all three points in a ground familiar to him.
“I won’t comment on the next game (against Mamelodi Sundowns) at all. I know people are waiting for me to say something, but I won’t say anything,” the former Orlando Pirates coach told reporters.
“Please allow me to enjoy this win for at least 24 hours. Tonight, I'm going to bed. I won’t watch any other matches. I’ll only watch the game we played — that will be my bedtime story.”
The former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach's reaction ahead of facing the Betway Premiership defending champions sparked different reactions from fans on social media.
Mkhwemte LibraYono
"You lose @BergMasandawana @Masandawana a game against Al Hilal and for some reason you expect to win against MC Alger."
Vums
"They want to drag him to Sundowns problems."
Bulelani
"The only coach who can reveal everything about the opponent in his press conference and yet come back to your backyard or home ground and play good entertaining football with results. I wish my team, Sundowns, can win, but Cardoso will play a draw."
Mopheme Karabelo_11
"Son of the soil Rulani Mokwena 🔥🔥 bedtime story!!"
Pastor Daniel
"He can talk football and not comment on allegations. At one stage before the match he wjll have to say something."
Why Cardoso could be sacked by Sundowns
Briefly News earlier reported that a football analyst explained why Miguel Cardoso could be sacked by Sundowns before the end of the ongoing 2025-26 season.
The Portuguese tactician has failed to replicate the work he did at the club last season this campaign especially in the CAF Champions League.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
