Rhulani Mokwena says Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing well for their upcoming CAF Champions League encounter with Al Ahly on Saturday. Photo: @Masandawana/Twitter
Mamelodi Sundowns coach reflects on CAFCL journey thus far!
Rhulani Mokwena has opened up on Mamelodi Sundowns blistering start in this season’s CAF Champions League tournament!
Rhulani Mokwena says Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing well for their upcoming CAF Champions League encounter with Al Ahly on Saturday. Photo: @Masandawana/Twitter
Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has opened up on his side’s incredible CAF Champions League Group Stage campaign.
The Brazilians head into the knockout stages as one of the firm favourites to go all the way in this season’s CAF Champions League tournament.
After defeating Pitso Mosimane’s twice in the group stages, and confirming their spot in the last eight with a whole game to spare, Rhulani Mokwena has since opened up on their campaign thus far.
The Brazilians sealed their spot in the last 8 after defeating Sudanese giants Al Hilal thanks to a 4 – 2 victory last weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns have much to celebrate – Mokwena
“Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns for initially qualifying. We came into this match with 10 points, yesterday’s result allowed us to mathematically be in the knockouts.” Mokwena told the club’s official website.
“It’s not an easy game to play particularly when you know that you’ve qualified. It becomes more difficult particularly when you have to deal with the heat, the pitch and then you also have to play against a very good Al Hilal side that is trying to qualify.
“What made it even more difficult was having to play most of the match with one man down, this made the game very very difficult for our team.
“Instead of complaining we got on with the business, we showed respect for the Mamelodi Sundowns badge and for our nation. We played the game the way it was supposed to be played.
READ NOW: Orlando Pirates legend baffled by Mhango expulsion!
“What helped us win was the players’ attitude, we just have a very good group of players and a very good group of players with good attitude.
“Mamelodi Sundowns knew that we had to deal with [Mohamed] Ouattara’s diagonal balls, [Ibrahim] Mustapha’s speed, Abdulrahman is always a threat in and around the box.
“Abdul Ajagun in between the lines is creative and creates a lot of possibilities for them to score but we were prepared and the players showed great spirit and great tactical discipline, all the credit goes to our players.”
READ NOW: Bafana Bafana star advised to join Soweto giants or Mamelodi Sundowns!
