‘I see Sundowns in the next round’ Rulani Mokwena

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena believes his side will reach the CAF Champions League semi-final despite Saturday’s draw with Young Africans.

Masandawana were held by Yanga 1st leg quarter-final at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday evening.

Mokwena knows it’s all to play for when the two teams play in the 2nd leg in Pretoria.

The Brazilians have not made it to the final since winning the competition back in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane. Rulani Mokwena is confident Sundowns will move to the next round.

“Of course I will see Sundowns in the next round, I’m very confident about that, in fact,” he said.

“What’s the plan? The plan is to get home safely now, rest, drink lots of water, sleep, analyse the game and then prepare for Richards Bay – we have a very important league game on Tuesday so that’s the plan for now.”

Rulani Mokwena backing Sundowns to progress

Sundowns played Yanga without their captain Themba Zwane, who was suspended.

Mokwena has admitted that the team missed ‘Mshishi’ in the middle of the park.

“He’s the captain of the team and he’s an important part of the team,” he added.

“Of course, we missed him a little bit today but everyone tried. I’m happy with the commitment and the effort of the team, especially in the second half.

“Okay, let’s build on that. It’s not always easy coming from the FIFA break. The first game after the international break.

Sundowns looking to wrap up the league as early as possible

“But okay, let’s how it goes,” Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena said as per Gauteng News.

Masandawana next plays struggling Richards Bay on Tuesday night looking to extend their lead at the top. They currently top the DStv premiership with 11 points by having played two fewer games than their rivals.